Mataraunui - Behind the weave

Mataraunui commemorates the diverse qualities that exist in a person, a landscape, an object. Traditionally coined to describe our various landscapes in recognition of their many attributes, resources and bounty as an enduring source of communal wellbeing.

In the same view, Mataraunui is an acknowledgment of the multifaceted leaders, knowledge sharers, and resilient stalwarts who continually contribute and provide for others. A testament to the attributes and character of a person. This design is a celebration of the many facets of life that help shape us into becoming all we are, all we can be. A woven reminder that our capacity to live and navigate multiplicity is limitless.

Tō mataraunui ki āhau ē!

Woven into this design is the encouragement to explore our own multifaceted quality. To inspire and empower us in our unique endeavours, to be curious about new pathways even when they may seem unfamiliar or uncomfortable. To willingly step into new environments, experiences and invite opportunities to diversify our skillsets that we might gain insights and understandings to better serve, care for and grow our communities.

Mataraunui celebrates our courage to redefine and recreate ourselves, as many times as we determine across the journey of life. Becoming all we can be, multifaceted, unique and one-of-a-kind!

When people are supported and encouraged to embrace their many passions, their diverse skills and experiences, they're able to tap into their super powers: idea synthesis, rapid learning, adaptability, big picture thinking, relating to and translating between different types of people, "languages", and modes of thought.

The ability to draw from and integrate a range of diverse ideas makes multipotentialites particularly well-suited to solving complex, multifactorial problems. And, their unconventional backgrounds help them develop unique voices and contribute fresh perspectives wherever they go.

— Emilie Wapnick, Terminology, Puttylike

Design notes

The main pae or decorative border, ‘Ngā tukemata ō Rēhua’, reflects a person's pathway of growth and development. The repeated tukemata pattern reflects our diverse experiences and learnings and the many people and places we engage with on our journey of self development, acknowledging the many sources of our wisdom we draw from, ngā taketake o te wānanga. 

The environments, experiences, learnings and complex bodies of knowledge that deepen our understanding and broaden our vision. The serrated notches or niho symbolise the courage, grit, determination and discipline required to attain the knowledge and skillset’s that equip us to better serve, lead and care for our families and communities.

The atua Rēhua is revered as a great source of knowledge, wellness, healing, warmth and abundance. Rēhua is also made manifest as the star Antares - the brightest star in the constellation Scorpius - a seasonal marker associated with summer where during this season we see him glow red in the sky, a colour we’ve woven throughout this design.

E kī ana te kōrero, ‘Te tātarakihi, te pihareinga; ko ngā manu ēnā o Rehua.' Ka tangi ana ēnei ngāngara kua tīmata te raumati (Te Ara, 2011). According to the proverb, ‘The cicada and the cricket are the flying creatures of Rehua.' Summer approaches as these creatures sing.