THEME: ‘Hiringa’ LIFE and living loud
Tukutuku pattern

Name: ‘Poutama’ (Stairway to heaven)

The ascent towards enlightenment, heaven, higher aspiration, progression towards higher learning; remembering the past while ascending into the future.  The transition from darkness into light. This is the symbol of the pathway of life that stretches both into the past and future. Each step is an achievement, a challenge met, a bridge crossed; the journey is eternal, the destination is the journey.

NZ$239

NZ$239

THEME: ‘Hiringa’ LIFE and living loud
Rectangle kōwhaiwhai pattern ‘Mango-pare’

Name: ‘Ngā Toru’ (The Trinity)

This contemporary piece combines ‘Mango-pare’ the traditional symbol of strength, tenacity of life, unrelenting determination, vigour and wealth with the telling of the three phases of Creation and Life.

The three phases of Creation and life begin with ‘Te Kore’ the period of untapped potential, and, the innocence and promise of the un-born child. ‘Te Pō’ the age of dreams, aspirations and learning, and, the living steps we take in this life. ‘Te Ao’ the world of light where reality manifests and is marked by the end of the earthly journey and the beginning of the next.

NZ$239

NZ$239

THEME: ‘Hiringa’ LIFE and living loud
Box kōwhaiwhai koru patterns

Name: ‘Pouaka’ (Box)

Meaning: koru are symbolic of (Life unfolding). Koru are a symbolic representation of the unfurling fronds of ferns and similar plants. So it is seen as a sign of ‘new growth’ of ‘new potential’, and, like the phoenix that rises from the ashes, a sign of the continuity of life in this contingent world thus the term (Life unfolding). The box like form is in contrast to the koru; the koru (Life unfolding) breaks free.

Source: Māori tradition. Koru is an iconic Māori pattern and it is as widespread in usage as the iconic ‘Kiwi’ and it is not specific to any particular Iwi.