Ngā Puhi, Waikato-Tainui, Ngāti Tamatera, Ngāti Raukawa te au o te Tonga, Ngāti Kahungunu ki te Wairarapa, Ngai Tahu | Year 10, Ngā Taiātea Wharekura | Waka Ama Club: Te Toki Waka Ama

The taniwha can be explained as a guardian or protector, symbolizing the important role that safety plays in waka ama. Just as the taniwha safeguards it's territory so do those students participating in the secondary schools national waka ama competition, but also ensuring the safety of their crew.

Many of the pūrākau of the various iwi of Aotearoa describe taniwha as a creature of great strength and resilience. This can represent the physical and mental prowess required to excel in Waka Ama. Like the taniwha the participants at the Secondary Schools Waka Ama possess the determination and tenacity needed to overcome challenges and achieve their goals during the week long races.

The waters that our secondary schools train on across Aotearoa, whether it is on the moana, the lake or the river they are all connected in some way. Being out on the water is an amazing opportunity to reconnect with nature and our surroundings. The taniwha are closely tied to the water and this allows those paddling at the competition to appreciate the beauty and power of nature, fostering a deep respect for not only their environment but for our history and the stories we are told.

My logo is based around the Taniwha and their connection to the different waters and tribal areas of Aotearoa. The first pūrākau I remember being told was about two Taniwha in the Wellington Harbour- Ngake & Whataitai. The main image is that of a taniwha, but when split down the middle it forms two taniwha representing both the North and South Islands of Aotearoa. The pattern on the very top is that of the Niho Taniwha which is often seen in Tukutuku and Kowhaiwhai and represents the chiefs and their whānau so I liken this to the different secondary schools that are represented at the Secondary Schools Nationals. The remainder of the design represents the different waters across Aotearoa where our Secondary Schools train and spend all of their time.

Ngā mihi nui ki a koe Kahuwhitiki!!