My Space: Millie Harris on the Stone Store in Kerikeri.

The historic Kerikeri Stone Store is Millie Harris’ favourite work space

Describe the space: “It’s a typical English Georgianstyle waterfront warehouse in Kerikeri, a rohe (area) of Te Tai Tokerau (Northland) under te whare tapu o Ngāpuhi (the sacred house of Ngāpuhi). When you enter the building it’s like stepping back into the 1800s – a time in Aotearoa’s history when the musket wars had ended. Rations for the missionaries were housed here, trade goods were making their journey to the Stone Store off the ships anchored out in te Pēwhairangi (the Bay of Islands). As you walk through the door you’re hit with a scent from the majestic kauri beams barged over from Te Hokianga O Kupe by the sawmilling company that included my great great great-grandfather Christopher Harris. Or maybe it’s just the scent of smells that have been trapped in a building for hundreds of years.” What is your role here? “I work for Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Toanga as a kaitiaki manuhiri (visitor host) and a kaitiaki taonga (collection caretaker). These skills I have been given and taught throughout my life from the most precious beginnings on our marae, Piki Te Aroha, nestled in a place known as Waihou Hutoia Rāhiri. Groomed by our kuia and kaumātua in manaakitanga (hospitality), tikanga (practices/behaviours), mātauranga (knowledge), kaha (strength), aroha (love) and awhi (embracing) – these skills are at the heart of all I have accomplished and inspire me in my work. The space makes me feel alive. It reminds me, not only of who I descend from, but what my purpose in life is. It evokes te mauri, the living force learned from the past. My role gives me the benefit of working in a space that resonates with who I am.” Tell us about your attire: “The clothes are an ode to all who have gone before me. A military jacket signifies the trading between the rangatira (chiefs) and the ships, the waiporoporo (purple) panikoti (skirt) the missionaries gave to Māori and the piupiu (flax skirt) represents the tangata whenua. The top hat was a highly prized trade among Māori in the 1800s.”