Rangitāne o Wairau formally unveiled their new tuakiritanga (identity) on Saturday evening at the iwi Hui-ā-Tau, marking a significant milestone in the iwi’s continued journey of reflection, reconnection, and future-focussed growth.
More than a visual change, the new tohu represents a living identity that is rooted in whakapapa, whenua, and wairua, while confidently expressing who Rangitāne o Wairau are today and where the iwi is heading. It reflects a shift from a static symbol to an evolving system of expression, capable of carrying stories, values, and leadership aspirations across generations.
The once-in-a-generation project followed an extensive engagement process shaped by whānau voices throughout Wairau and beyond. Whānau contributed through multiple wānanga, drop‑in sessions, and an online survey, ensuring that whakaaro, kōrero, and lived experience informed the identity at every stage.
“Our whānau have been at the heart of this journey since the beginning,” said Corey Hebberd, Kaiwhakahaere Matua (General Manager) of Rangitāne o Wairau. “Every contribution, every piece of feedback has helped shape an identity that truly reflects who we are – our history, our values, and our vision for our mokopuna who will follow in our footsteps and shape our future.”
“This identity reflects who we are — our whakapapa, our ahi kā, the warmth and manaakitanga of our people, and our responsibility to those who come after us. It carries our history forward while giving confidence to our future.”
The current tohu, which has represented Rangitāne o Wairau for around four decades, served the iwi through a period where holding fast and maintaining visibility was critical. The new tuakiritanga reflects the growth, maturity, and evolving presence of the iwi across cultural, social, commercial and environmental spheres.
“We are proud to design a marker that honours the past, reflects the present, and supports the aspirations of Rangitāne o Wairau for generations to come,” says Anzac Tasker, Founder of Guardians.
“This work carries a deep responsibility to celebrate identity and heritage, while creating something that will grow and serve the iwi into the future,” he says.
Rather than replacing the past, the identity respectfully carries continuity forward through form, narrative, and symbolism, while introducing a flexible and contemporary system that strengthens connection within the iwi, supports storytelling, and clearly communicates Rangitāne o Wairau’s mana to partners and the wider world.
“Rangitāne o Wairau is anchored in our past, alive in the present, and boldly futurefocused,” said Janis de Thierry, Co-Chairperson of Rangitāne o Wairau. “This refreshed identity gives us a platform to express our tuakiritanga with pride, while carrying forward the legacy of our tūpuna.”
The new identity draws inspiration from Te Pokohiwi o Kupe — the birthplace of Aotearoa — and from the enduring ahi kā of Rangitāne o Wairau, symbolising warmth, connection, resilience, and the calling home of people across generations.
From this week, whānau, partners, and the wider community will begin to see a renewed and refreshed Rangitāne presence across communications and platforms.