Kia mau ki tō MĀORITANGA
(Hold fast to your Māori heritage)
The meaning behind this design:
At the heart of this design lies the Tino Rangatiratanga flag, created by Hiraina Marsden, Jan Dobson, and Linda Munn. The black represents Te Kore (the void), the space beyond the world of everyday experience. The white represents Te Ao Mārama, the world of light. The red symbolizes coming into being and life, as well as Papatūānuku, the Earth Mother. The koru (spiral, symbolizing an unfurling fern frond) at the center suggests the unfolding and renewal of life.
I have added two Pou, standing as guardians of our people, ready to challenge, resist, and protest against any injustice that threatens the well-being of our whānau.
The two Taniwha are the kaitiaki, the spiritual guardians who watch over and guide our people, ensuring the safety, strength, and growth of our whānau.