Te Manako Nui: Behind the Weave

Jul 24, 2024

Te Manako Nui reflects the influence of hope as a principle of power and action. Standing strong upon our belief that with hope, we can envision a better future.

Ancestrally fed, mokopuna led

Our belief is based upon the truths of our past and our hope determines our future.

Determined for a better future

Our tamariki (children) walk in power, ever hopeful in their daily practice of whakapono, constantly challenging the narrative of ‘seeing it to believe it’, they embody hope.

The epicentre of this design was inspired by this steadfast faith and the limitless potential of hope.

Inspired by the Māori creation story, Ranginui and Papatūānuku (sky father & earth mother) were bound to each other, with their children trapped and struggling to grow within the darkness of their embrace. Hinatore (as a glimmer of light) revealed a world of enlightenment that lay beyond their reach, this would lead to their decision to separate their primordial parents, bringing light and life into the world. Within this design, hinatore is reflective of hope and woven in the style of tāniko (traditional hand embroidery), piercing through the darkness.

The body of this design is inspired mainly by the poutama pattern, but also carries influences of both waewae pākura and taki patterns. The poutama reflects our goals and dreams that we aspire to, with hope casting light upon our pathway, illuminating each step, as we realise its truth and stand upon it.

Hope also reassures us of our direction, encouraging our ascent and empowering perseverance. The taki influence denotes the power of our voice, as our words give form to what we envision for a better future, promoting a positive outlook on life, to ourselves and the people around us.

The black, white and red colours reflect the various stages of creation - te kore, te pō and te ao mārama.

Hope is an activator within this creation process, te kore represents a void of limitless potential, te pō, the quiet period of formation and development, te ao mārama, emerging into life, into the light of day.