The choice of the taputoru in the design represents niho taniwha which in turn symbolizes our stories, histories and events. They are also a sign of resilience, strength and Te Whare Tangata. They embody the essential male and female essences, protection, openness and the movement/pulsation of life between them. It also links the two knowledge foundations between ‘te kauwae runga’ (the sacred lower jawbone) or realm of esoteric and most sacred knowledge and ‘te kauwae raro’ (the sacred upper jawbone) or the knowledge of daily existence.
The smaller tapatoru within the larger signifies the nine phases of growth. The balance of life required to create new generations derived from the male and female essence. The koru kape rua represents creation, growth and also the unity of tupuna, matua and mokopuna-whakapapa. The larger tapatoru represent the whanau and the midwife supporting the process of birth together. The colours symbolize wai-the sacred waters, whenua-our land and archetypal mother and growth. Therefore we acknowledge the strength and balance that we have access to through the wisdom from Te Ao Maori and the potential for hau-ora, aro-ha and mauri ora for whānau wellbeing that can flow from birth and into life.
We acknowledge those who contributed to this knowledge and the artistry that combines these symbols into our tohu. We also give thanks to Regan Balzer for the image of Hine Te Iwa Iwa on Te Toi Whenua/Our home page and Horomona Horo for his inspirational tangata puoro oriori as an example of the ways we spoke to our pepe within the whare tangata as unborn to this world and following birth into Te Ao Marama/The world of Light.
Tihei Mauri Ora!
Our Tohu/Logo
The Kaupapa of Nga Maia is the foundation of Nga Maia. Birthing traditions were passed from generation to generation by word of mouth and Maori art forms.
