About the Artwork

This artwork has been created specifically for Emerge More Awesome, by Ngāpuhi artist Te Marino Duke.

Manaia: Representing mana, rangatiratanga, kaitiakitanga, mātauranga, direction, and strength.

Rau ru: Balance, harmony, movement, action.

Kape rua: Representing the people of Ngāpuhi, symbolised as the design at the bottom with the circular inlets. It's a reference to the masses of people that belong to ngā puhi and it is sheltered by the mouth of the manaia meaning that there are always kaitiaki watching over us and that we are safe. Providing ahurutanga.

Mangōpare: Mana, strength, endurance.

Koru: Potential for new opportunities new beginnings.

Ara matua: The central element that holds this design together, representing kotahitanga, unity and the strength that is achieved when working together.