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Ko te Ūkaipo te iho tāngaengae e hono ai te mauri te wairua me te tinana o te tangata. Koia nei te puna whakatupu, te puna whakawhanake, te puna whakaora i te matū o te tangata. Ka puta, ka ora! tihei mauri ora!

This tohu portrays the embodiment of whānau. It is a space that exhibits the fusion of mauri (life essence) and wairua (spirit) which manifests into a physical entity that creates life. The combining of the ira tāne (male gene) and the ira wahine (female gene) forms an enduring union that serves as a catalyst for whakapapa to prosper. E kore au e ngaro, he kākano i ruia mai i Rangiātea.

The Hue (Gourd)

Hine-pū-te-hue is the daughter of Tāne-mahuta and Hine-rauamoa and is the kaitiaki and spiritual entity of the hue . She was the originator of the musical instrument made from hue which produced a soft soothing sound that can be likened to the oriori that we used to pacify our pēpi. The hue, in this context, also represents the whare tangata (womb) that enhances the development of physical growth. Traditionally, hue was utilised to preserve food and provide sustenance of bodily wellbeing for the people. In this instance, the hue encapsulates the nurturing aspect of whānau and the relationship between māmā, pāpā and our pēpi.

The Green Koru

The green koru seen within the hue is a representation of Pāpā surrounding and embracing māmā and pēpi. Within a whānau context, the purpose of pāpā, as a pou, is to provide a strong sense of nourishment, stability, and protection. The colour green signifies fertility, Tāne Māhuta and the whatukura line of Raukawa. The green also reminds us of the union between our tupuna, Mahinaarangi and Tūrongo and the enticing fragrance made from raukawa leaves.

The Red Koru

This design is a representation of māmā and pēpi and the sacred maternal bond between them. The colour red connects us to Papatūānuku and the kurawaka where the uha tangata (female element) was found to create Hine-ahu-one (the first female). Kei wareware i a tātou te ūkaipō.

It is important that we acknowledge the taonga that is gifted by both parents to ensure the mauri and wairua of the tamaiti can flourish to its fullest potential. The colours signify traditional elements that are unified through contemporary design and context. The convergence of these colours and symbols allows the mauri to be felt visually and spiritually. This is a true and authentic representation and personification of Te Ūkaipō.

The Te Ūkaipō tohu and explanation was designed by Jade Tapine and the graphics created by Māui Taewa