20/06/2024
‘The Power of One…’
This article’s title expresses a reality applicable to many individuals throughout history who in their own way have inspired, impacted and changed other’s lives for good. Some are well known, some not so much- the point is, there’s potential for any (one) to make a difference -somewhere.
In the early 1960’s a meteorologist and mathematician, Edward Lorenz presented his famous ‘butterfly theory’ which claimed the simple flapping of a butterfly’s wings could set in motion a chain reaction of air molecules that could ultimately cause a hurricane on the other side of the world. Thirty years later the theory was foundational in the scientific community and today it’s known as ‘the law of sensitive dependence upon initial conditions.’ Sounds lofty, but it’s simply observing ‘cause and effect’ that relates to much more than just butterflies!
One life and one action can set in motion far more than we realise. Like a single pebble thrown into a calm lake, the ripples repeat in concentric circles, seemingly ‘forever’…a picture of the ‘power of one’ to impact others in time and into the future.
Recently I re-visited the place where Wiremu Tāmihana laid down his taiaha before English General George Carey at Tāmahere in 1865. I’ve read and heard enough about this noble chief of Ngāti Hauā to convince me what a taonga (’treasure’) he is in New Zealand history, leaving ‘ripples’ of influence to be admired and exemplified. Born Tarapīpi, he came under the influence of Christian teachings with the establishment of the CMS station in Matamata. In 1839, Tarapīpi was one of Rev. A.N. Brown’s first converts to be baptised at which point he was given the name Wiremu Tāmihana. A man of peace (unlike his father Te Waharoa) who he’d succeeded upon his death in 1838, Tāmihana’s life was spent in seeking reconciliation and brokering peace on behalf of Waikato Māori with the Crown, known for its proclivity to deal dishonourably. During the late 1850’s Tāmihana became involved in the establishment of a Māori king. For this he earned the title 'Kingmaker' by Pākehā.
It’s moving standing where Tāmihana placed his taiaha on the ground those years ago. A great Māori chief who endured mis-understanding and stood as an advocate for justice is worth reflecting on. Many Pākehā saw Tāmihana’s action as ‘surrender’ whereas Tāmihāna described it in a letter to Governor Grey, as ‘te maungarongo’ (a covenant of peace). This magnanimous gesture followed two years of cruel colonial conquest- the Waikato ‘Land War’ began in winter 1863, with General Cameron’s columns of English soldiers marching south from Auckland on a campaign to dispossess Waikato Māori of their land and māna. Little more than 20 years after the Treaty of Waitangi signing!
The possibilities, of allowing the Spirit of God (Wairua Tapu) that graced Tāmihana’s life, to grace our lives, are worth contemplating.
A Māori proverb considers the dozens of seeds existing in one kauri cone (about 50 apparently)- each little seed sown into the soil is powerful, capable of becoming a mighty tree…
“He kakano ahau. Ahakoa he iti, he pounamu.”
I am a seed. Despite being small I am of great value.
(Written for Cambridge News weekly 'Faith Column' 20/624)
Image source: www.nzhistory.govt.nz, the NZHistory website of Manatū Taonga. Licensed by Manatū Taonga for re-use under the Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial 3.0 New Zealand Licence
