Dean Hetherington

The Mere was the hand-to-hand fighting weapon of choice for the fierce Maori warriors. The colonial British troops found out just how formidable it was in the hands of a skilled fighter at close quarters in the dense New Zealand bush and rain forests. With its weight and blade like flattened form, a single blow was all that was needed.
In a fight it is used a little like a knife with a stabbing or thrusting action so only the final blow was club like. This stabbing motion meant that the strong bound wrist tether was essential to stop the fighters hand from sliding up the blade with each thrust.

Mere used by the greatest of warriors were made from the rare New Zealand nephrite jade (Pounamu) and handed down over generations as treasured heirlooms.
The Mere is not just the sign of a warrior, but also of a great leader. Tribal leaders are generally the greatest of warriors but with the power of leadership also comes a responsibility to care for those who follow. This carving speaks of a leader who has great inner strength and courage but who cares for and nurtures those around him or her with wisdom and respect.

The Mere comes wrapped in a traditional woven flax mat