Mana Moana: Hawaiian Migration to Aotearoa in March
Mana moana (“the power of the ocean”) was especially strong this month, connecting Kanaka Maoli (native people from Hawaii) to their Maori and Pacific cousins in Aotearoa. The U.S. Embassy and Consulate are proud to support and be a part of the many Hawaiian exchanges that occurred in March.
On March 8, the U.S. Consulate staff attended the opening of the “Mana Moana” art exhibition. The art project developed through the synergetic collaboration between Star Gossage, a Maori artist from Pakiri, New Zealand, and Solomon Enos, a Hawaiian artist from Waianae, Hawaii. The “Mana Moana” art exhibition opened simultaneously in Auckland and Honolulu connected via Skype link and included performances by Ka Pa Nani ‘O Lilinoe and Halau O Moana Nui A Kiwa.
On March 10 in Auckland, the U.S. Consulate hosted Paula Fuga as our Arts Envoy. Paula toured schools throughout South Auckland to speak on her story of Pacific resiliency, run music workshops, and inspire youth through Hawaiian music performances.
On March 11 in Wellington, U.S. Ambassador Mark Gilbert and staff attended an emotional ceremony at Te Papa Museum for the return of treasures from Aotearoa to Hawaii. The beloved mahiole (feather helmet) and ‘ahu’ula (feather cloack) of Ali’i Kalani’opu’u (chief of Hawaii Island in 1779) were returned to representatives from Office of Hawaiian Affairs and Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum. For photos of the ceremony see our FlickR page.