„Whiri Tāngata“ (weaving people) embodies the connection between Aotearoa and Germany, binding their histories, people, and shared futures through the art form of tukutuku and celestial navigation. This tohu (motif) is a visual representation of two cultures interwoven, much like the tukutuku panels that line the walls of a wharenui, telling stories of whakapapa, collaboration, and endurance.

The design draws on the intricate process of weaving, where every tukutuku panel requires two people, one on either side passing the strands through to create a unified pattern. This act is a metaphor for the partnership between the two nations of New Zealand and Germany, emphasizing the necessity of working together to create something strong, meaningful, and enduring. Just as tukutuku is impossible to weave alone, so too is the relationship between Aotearoa and Germany built upon the exchange of knowledge, support, and respect.

Stars were the original guides of Māori navigators, lighting the way across vast oceans, ensuring safe passage to new horizons. In this design, the Purapura whetū (crosses) echo the celestial pathways that once connected early Māori navigators from Hawaiki to Aotearoa. The stars remind us that, though separated by great distance, our destinies are linked through shared ambition, curiosity, and the pursuit of excellence.

The composition of the motif can also be interpreted as a stylized wheat stalk, a symbol of nourishment, peace, and unity in a German context, evoking the act of breaking bread as a gesture of hospitality and connection. This adds another layer of meaning, emphasizing the shared values of sustenance and harmony between the two nations. Simultaneously, the form can also be seen as a fern leaf, a deeply significant symbol in Aotearoa, representing growth, resilience, and identity. These dual interpretations highlight the weaving together of cultural narratives, reinforcing the interconnectedness embodied in the design.

Colour plays a vital role in reinforcing these connections. The black, red, and yellow acknowledge Germany’s heritage, while the blue, red and white reference the New Zealand flag. The black, red, and white symbolize Māori identity and unity. Together, these colours reflect the strength of both nations and the shared values that connect them.

„Whiri Tāngata“ speaks to the heart of this work. It is a reminder that relationships, like tukutuku, are strengthened through connection and collaboration. Every strand, every intersection represents individuals and communities coming together, bound by a shared purpose. Just as tukutuku lashes and binds the walls of a wharenui, the relationships we weave bind our histories and futures, ensuring that our stories, knowledge, and aspirations remain interwoven across generations and across oceans.

Artists: Zofia Seymour, Maihi Potaka of Ngāti Hauiti, Ngāti Manawa, Te Ātihaunui-ā-Pāpārangi