Uia Te Kura: The Story Behind the Name, Tohu, and Colours
The meaning behind the ingoa
When I was naming my pakihi, I wanted something that reflected who I am as a wahine Māori and the mahi I do. I reached out to Matua Paraone Tai Tin, who helped me wānanga and shape the name Uia Te Kura.
Uia Te Kura speaks to the process of uncovering what lies beneath, beyond, and at the heart of a person or kaupapa. It’s about being inquisitive, guided by curiosity, intuition, and discovery while grounded in the strength and essence of Papatūānuku.
This ingoa reminds us that we all carry our own kura – our unique gifts, talents, mātauranga, stories, and experiences. Every kaupapa has its own kura waiting to be uncovered. My mahi is about helping you to uncover these insights and to weave meaningful connections that lead to real change.
The story of the tohu
Our tohu was designed by Taputapu Toi and tells the story of Uia Te Kura.
At the centre are two koru that converge, symbolising connection and collaboration. They represent the way we bring people and ideas together, creating safe spaces for kōrero, discovery, wānanga, and collective growth. For me, the koru reflect the importance of walking alongside others, weaving our strengths and perspectives into something meaningful and powerful.
The tapatoru form represents leadership. It’s a reminder to always aim high, lead with purpose, and stay grounded in our values. Within the tapatoru, the three smaller triangles speak to the past, present, and future. They show how our mahi is rooted in what has come before, shaped by where we are now, and guided by the aspirations we hold for the future.
The manawa line running through the outer tapatoru symbolises the connections that link us together through whakapapa. They remind us that our journeys are interlinked, and the strength of our kaupapa comes from the relationships and stories that connect us.
The meaning of the colours
The rich kōkōwai tones of the tohu are a direct connection to the whenua – to kurawaka. The deep reds and browns reflect the essence of our kaupapa, grounding our mahi in the stories, strength, and resilience of Papatūānuku.
These colours remind us that every step in our journey is connected to the whenua, our tupuna, and the communities we work with. They speak to the importance of being rooted while reaching for growth and transformation.
The ingoa, tohu, and colours of Uia Te Kura reflect everything I want this mahi to represent: curiosity, connection, and the strength of working together for a better future. Every layer carries whakapapa and meaning, reminding us to stay grounded while creating spaces for growth, discovery, and change.
