Ngā Taonga o Te Kaunihera
The symbols and taonga of Te Kaunihera o Ngā Neehi Māori carry the identity, values, and wairua of our organisation.
They connect our past, present, and future—reflecting who we are, where we come from, and the collective responsibility we hold as Māori nurses across Aotearoa.
Te Tohu o Te Kaunihera
Our tohu represents the essence of Te Kaunihera and the foundations of Māori nursing.
Designed as a manaia, the tohu symbolises the individual - standing at the centre of their world, connected to whakapapa, knowledge, and wellbeing.
Manaia (the figure)
Represents the person - nurse, tauira, and whānau - at the centre of care.Koru (behind and around)
Symbolise whakapapa, growth, and continuity across generations.Ngā Kete e Toru (three baskets)
Represent key foundations:Te Waiora – health and wellbeing
Te Ihi – energy, strength, and potential
Te Mātauranga – knowledge and learning
Together, these elements reflect a holistic view of health - where the individual is inseparable from their whakapapa, knowledge, and wellbeing, and where nursing is grounded in both cultural identity and professional practice.
Te Mokopuna Ātaahua
Te Mokopuna Ātaahua is a sacred taonga that carries the mauri of Te Kaunihera and its tauira nurses.
Created in 2003, this waka huia was established to hold and transfer the spiritual essence of each national hui - ensuring continuity, connection, and tikanga across generations.
The passing of the taonga between hosts reflects a commitment to shared responsibility. Each rōpū carries the mauri forward, ensuring that no group stands alone and that tikanga is upheld at every gathering
The whakaaro behind Te Mokopuna Ātaahua came from the need to recognise that each hui holds its own mauri - one that must be carried forward, not left behind.
The waka huia travels from hui to hui, holding the collective experiences, knowledge, and spirit of those who gather. In doing so, it connects past, present, and future tauira within a shared journey.
Contact
PO Box 5051
Rotorua West, 3044
maorinursescouncil@gmail.com
027 816 7936