Kete (woven basket)
This is a representation of the kete (basket) in a simple weave pattern. There has been a renaissance in the art of raranga (Maori weaving). This is my tautoko (support) to the wahine who resurrected this art form.

Kawakawa
This is a popular design with Ngapuhi Maori; it's been adapted here to depict a leaf from the Kawakawa shrub. The Kawakawa is used as a medicine for a wide range of illnesses. A type of tonic when brewed as a tea. It has a very bitter taste when eaten straight from the shrub.

Koru Furl
The furl of the fern frond. Natures perfect expression of a new beginning, a fresh start.

Tangaroa (sea god)
This design is an interpretation on the genesis of the sea wave. Generated by the powerful sea god Tangaroa, the power of the wave is hidden beneath the water as a sea swell until it hits the shore in its final expression as the Wave.

Hei-Matau (hooks)
Here, there are two hooks, each one is slightly different from the other.  One represents the hook used by Maui (part God part man) to pull up the North Island of New Zealand.  The other represents, abundance, strength and fertility, traits of Maui.

Awa (river)
This design is a depiction of the river. In Maori culture, (particularly in the pre-European days), the place where one stood, was indicated by their mountain, river, tribe and chiefs. This design acknowledges the river. In addition, where one stood, would also be where one would generally have their bones returned to.

Okori (eddy of a stream)
As a boy we would gather watercress from streams. They were crystal clear and shadows from eddies would form on the bottom of the creek bed as they swirled around the stalks of the cress.