Toki

The Toki was used for a variety of everyday jobs and had to be strong to endure the cutting and scraping motions of its use. Because of this the pounamu toki pendant has become a symbol of strength (particularity in time of adversity), courage and fortitude. They were also worn by elders as a symbol of power, wisdom and authority.

Porowhita

Pounamu jewellery in circular shapes have universal relevance as a symbol of the complete, perfection and wholeness, as well as the endless cycle of life and death, timelessness and eternity.  Porowhita also represent celestial bodies and the circular nature of the universe.
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Niho

The niho design is thought to represent strength, leadership and resilience and its symbolism is commonly associated with two animals – the whale and the shark. In many iwi, whales are considered gifts of the ocean and treasures cast onto the beach by Tangaroa.

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Hei Matau

Believed to bring prosperity, good health and safe travel across water. The Hei Matau is also used to signify ones connection to water.
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Mere

Represents the weapon the Maori used. It gives the wearer strength and courage. It signifies high status and authority.
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Tangaroa ā Mua

This represents the crescent moon. All Māori life – planting, harvesting, fishing working, resting, navigating and travelling – revolves around te Marama (the moon) and his phases.  Marama dictates when the new year begins and gives guidance on what the year ahead may look like. Marama is essential to the balance of life.
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Puhoro

The puhoro pattern is a split koru. It can represent speed, swiftness and agility in Māori culture. In other depictions, the puhoro can be representative of storms and tempestuous situations.

Koiri

The koiri is the koru pattern repeating and turning back into itself. This may continue into infinity. The koiri is a symbol of self-reflection and nurturing. It also means to flourish.

Pākati

The Pākati pattern is based on the shape of dog's teeth. It represents courage and strength. This was often worn by warriors who would fight with great courage.

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Pātiki

The pātiki represents the flounder and is a pattern that can  symbolise favourable times, generosity and abundant hospitality.

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Mangopare

The Mangopare symbol depicts the hammerhead shark. It symbolizes strength, determination, strong will and fighting spirit. Māori believed sharks to be protective spirits, and shark teeth necklaces were common status symbols amongst tribe leaders.
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Ponga

The ponga, or silver fern, is a symbol of resilience and growth. Its unfurling fronds, like the koru, also represent the nurturing embrace of family and loved ones. Just as the fern’s fronds connect to a single stem, our relationships are rooted in love and unity, reminding us of the strength in these enduring bonds.
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Ngaru

The ngaru represents the ocean waves - the cutting of the waves as the waka travelled. Māori origin narratives explain the arrival of Māori to Aotearoa on waka (canoes).
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Koru
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The Koru is a spiral shape based on the appearance of a new unfurling silver fern. It is a symbol that symbolizes new life, growth, strength and peace. Its shape conveys the idea of perpetual movement while the inner coil suggests returning to the point of origin.
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Marama
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An old form of the ngutu kākā kowhaiwhai pattern, showing the beak of the kākā and representing oratory skills. It can also be called marama, representing the moon.
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Poutama
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The Poutama is a pattern that is frequently seen in Māori weaving and artwork. It represents stairs or a 'stairway to heaven'. It symbolizes whakapapa but also symbolizes the quest for knowledge and personal growth.

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