Whakamarama ma te tohu (Logo Description)
The Tainui Waka Cultural Trust tohu (logo) is based on the frontal view of a waka (canoe) moving forward in the water.
Description of the tohu from bottom to top:
• The four koru at the bottom represent the four rohe (regions) of the Tainui Waka confederation - Waikato, Maniapoto, Raukawa and Hauraki. The colour blue represents the ancestral awa and moana of those respective rohe.
• The red hull of the waka with poutama pattern represents whakapapa, the Tainui confederation and a vessel in the pursuit of knowledge and excellence in Maori Performing Arts and associated art forms.
• The central symbol is an upright hoe (paddle) in salute position representing nga kaihoe of Maori Performing Art Forms and the individuals that make up the body of the Tainui Waka Cultural Trust.
• The hoe doubles as the body of the frontal tauihu figurine representing nga tangata and those participating in kapa haka and iwi kaupapa.
• Nga karu atua / ihiihi are stylised in the head of the tauihu figure and are seemingly being held up by the figure. These eyes represent the vision and innovation of the people.
• The colour brown represents nga tangata (the people) and in particular participating kaihaka (kapa haka performers).
RATIFIED by Tainui Waka Cultural Trust Resolution dated 9th September 2009.