Symbols
Koru/Twist:
Taken from Aotearoa New Zealand's silver fern frond, the koru symbolises life, new beginnings, and growth. Koru are a prominent symbol in Maori designs and artistics motifs due to the strong symbolism they hold in relationship between life and growth.
Hei Matau/Fish Hook:
Derived from the hei matau, a fish hook Maui used to fish up Aotearoa New Zealand. It symbolises catching good luck, and also blessings and luck for travel (especially overseas).
Pikorua/Toru:
A pikorua, or double twist, symbolises both a meaningful relationship and the flow of energy between the spiritual and physical worlds. It also symbolizes a relationship that is physical, spiritual, and forever as the symbol makes an infinity sign. A pikorua, triple twist, is similar to the pikorua, but means a relationship between many instead of between two (like a gift from family).
Manaia:
Manaia are often depicted as the head of a bird, body of a many, and tail of a fish. This symbol is used as a guardian, and also represents a unity between the spiritual, the physical, and the afterlife. It is also used to ward against evil.
Hei Tiki:
A traditional symbol of a warrior based on the pukana that is prominent within Maori culture, and used to show respect or to prepare for battle. The Hei Tiki is a guardian to the wearer, and a reminder to the wear to represent their tipuna, or ancestors, with pride.
Mere/Patu:
A traditional Maori weapon, when worn as a symbol it means strength, commitment, and overcoming life's difficulties.
Toki:
Traditionally used as the head piece of the Maori axe which was used for carving, tattooing, and sometimes fighting. The toki symbolises strength, determination, versatility, and focus for the wearer.
Wera/Whale tail:
Another symbol of family, guardianship, love, friendship, and harmony, the whale is considered a powerful kaitiaki, or guardian, to the Maori people. Whale tales are spiritual guides and guardians to the wearer.
Pekapeka:
Represents spiritual protection, guardianship, harmony, and stability as it is two heads facing outwards protecting the wearer. It shares a name with one of Aotearoa New Zealand's only native mammals, the Pekapeka bat.
Taken from Aotearoa New Zealand's silver fern frond, the koru symbolises life, new beginnings, and growth. Koru are a prominent symbol in Maori designs and artistics motifs due to the strong symbolism they hold in relationship between life and growth.
Hei Matau/Fish Hook:
Derived from the hei matau, a fish hook Maui used to fish up Aotearoa New Zealand. It symbolises catching good luck, and also blessings and luck for travel (especially overseas).
Pikorua/Toru:
A pikorua, or double twist, symbolises both a meaningful relationship and the flow of energy between the spiritual and physical worlds. It also symbolizes a relationship that is physical, spiritual, and forever as the symbol makes an infinity sign. A pikorua, triple twist, is similar to the pikorua, but means a relationship between many instead of between two (like a gift from family).
Manaia:
Manaia are often depicted as the head of a bird, body of a many, and tail of a fish. This symbol is used as a guardian, and also represents a unity between the spiritual, the physical, and the afterlife. It is also used to ward against evil.
Hei Tiki:
A traditional symbol of a warrior based on the pukana that is prominent within Maori culture, and used to show respect or to prepare for battle. The Hei Tiki is a guardian to the wearer, and a reminder to the wear to represent their tipuna, or ancestors, with pride.
Mere/Patu:
A traditional Maori weapon, when worn as a symbol it means strength, commitment, and overcoming life's difficulties.
Toki:
Traditionally used as the head piece of the Maori axe which was used for carving, tattooing, and sometimes fighting. The toki symbolises strength, determination, versatility, and focus for the wearer.
Wera/Whale tail:
Another symbol of family, guardianship, love, friendship, and harmony, the whale is considered a powerful kaitiaki, or guardian, to the Maori people. Whale tales are spiritual guides and guardians to the wearer.
Pekapeka:
Represents spiritual protection, guardianship, harmony, and stability as it is two heads facing outwards protecting the wearer. It shares a name with one of Aotearoa New Zealand's only native mammals, the Pekapeka bat.