Our Official Seal
Our Official Seal is a closed hand – Ringakati, representing Kotahitanga (unity) and Mana (prestige, honour, power). This hand is encircled by ngā rau (the ferns), which symbolize our whenua (land), our tangata (people), and our tīpuna (ancestors).
The Ringakati represents the collective strength and power of our people, united as one. Kotahitanga reflects the importance of standing together in solidarity, while Mana speaks to the honour and prestige that comes from this unity.
The ferns, ngā rau, wrapping around the closed hand, carry the significance of our connection to the whenua – the land we come from, our tangata – our people and communities, and our tīpuna – the ancestors who guide us. The ferns embody growth, resilience, and the continuous cycle of life that ties us to both our past and our future.
Together, these elements speak to our deep sense of whakawhanaungatanga (relationships and connectedness) and whakapapa (genealogy), celebrating our identity, strength, and the enduring bonds between our land, our people, and our tīpuna.
Ringakati - Fist
The closed hand, referred to as Ringakati, symbolizes Kotahitanga (unity) and Mana (prestige, honour, and power). The closed hand is a powerful emblem of collective strength and solidarity, signifying that when people come together as one, they wield great influence and authority. In this sense, it reflects a sense of communal pride and shared purpose.
The raised fist has long been a symbol of power, solidarity, and resistance, transcending cultural and geographical boundaries. Its history is rich and varied, with roots in both political movements and cultural traditions, including those of Tangata Whenua.
Ancient and Cultural Roots
Ancient Symbolism of the Fist
The raised fist carries ancient connotations of kaha (strength) and power. In many cultures, a clenched fist represented physical force and the ability to defend or attack. In the Roman Empire, for instance, a clenched fist depicted martial strength, with the phrase "manus ferox" (fierce hand) serving as a metaphor for military might.
Haka
The haka, a taonga tuku iho (sacred tradition), is far more than a war dance. While it was carried out by our toa (warriors) before battle to demonstrate mana (power) and intimidate opponents, it also served as a process to strengthen our tinana (body), hinengaro (mind), and wairua (spirit). The haka allowed us, as tangata whenua (people of the land), to align ourselves, build kotahitanga (unity), and share important messages between whānau and iwi. At the heart of the haka is the ringakāti (clenched fist), a powerful symbol of strength, resilience, and our determination to stand together.
The Ringakāti: A Symbol of Mana and Unity
The act of thrusting the ringakāti into the air or forward embodies our kaha (strength) and readiness. It is not just a gesture—it reflects the firmness of our hinengaro and the resolve of our wairua to overcome challenges. Through the ringakāti, we express kotahitanga as individuals moving as one, unified in purpose. Whether in times of war or peace, the clenched fist represents our ability to stay tuturu (true), symbolizing not just physical strength but also emotional and spiritual resilience.
It declares that we stand firm, that our mana will not be diminished.
Political Movements and Solidarity
Early 20th Century: Labor Movements and the Spanish Civil War
The raised fist as a political symbol gained prominence during the labor movements of the early 20th century. Adopted by labor unions and socialist groups, the fist represented the collective power of the working class. In the 1930s, during the Spanish Civil War, it became a symbol of anti-fascist solidarity, used by both anarchists and communists as a salute of unity and resistance against Franco's forces.
Black Power and Civil Rights Movements
The most iconic use of the raised fist emerged during the 1960s, particularly within the Black Power movement in the United States. At the 1968 Olympics, American athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos raised their fists in the Black Power salute during the medal ceremony to protest racial injustice. This moment became one of the most enduring symbols of the civil rights movement, encapsulating the fight for equality and the assertion of black pride.
That same year, Gypsy Pitman founded the Black Power in Aotearoa New Zealand, rebelling against the oppressive practices of the Crown that undermined Māori ways of life. The raised fist also symbolized solidarity in the wider civil rights movements of the 1960s and 1970s. Groups advocating for te tika (justice), mana wāhine (women's rights), mana tāne (men's rights), LGBTQ+ rights, and anti-colonial movements worldwide adopted the symbol, conveying strength in unity and the determination to resist oppression.
Modern Usage: Global Symbol of Resistance
Social Justice Movements
In the 21st century, the raised fist continues to be a global emblem of power and unity. It has been used in protests against systemic oppression, such as the 2014 protests in Ferguson, Missouri, after the killing of Michael Brown, and in the worldwide "Black Lives Matter" protests in response to the murder of George Floyd in 2020.
The fist has also been adapted by other movements, such as feminist protests and environmental activism. The symbolic gesture remains a call for te mana (justice) and equality, representing collective action and resilience.
Digital Activism
The raised fist has also found a place in digital activism. Emojis of the raised fist are commonly used across social media platforms to express solidarity with various causes. These digital gestures, while often simple, retain the symbolic weight of unity and empowerment that the fist has carried through centuries.
Conclusion
From ancient representations of power to the modern-day haka, labor movements, and global protests, the raised fist has served as a powerful visual symbol of strength, unity, and resistance. Its continued use across cultures and movements reflects the enduring human desire for solidarity in the face of adversity. Whether expressed through the choreography of the Māori haka or the raised fist of a political activist, the gesture transcends language, making it one of the most recognizable and universal symbols of collective power.
In the Māori context, the use of kaha (strength) and mana (honour, prestige) in these expressions further emphasizes the cultural significance of the raised fist as a powerful symbol of unity and power. The haka not only embodies the strength of the Māori community but also serves as a powerful reminder of the collective struggles against oppression, making it an enduring symbol of empowerment and resistance. The spirit of aroha (love) and whakapapa (genealogy) that underlies these gestures unites past, present, and future generations in their quest for justice and recognition.
Ngā Rau - Ferns
The fern, particularly the silver fern (ponga or Cyathea dealbata), holds deep cultural, historical, and symbolic importance for us as Tangata Whenua and for Aotearoa New Zealand as a whole. For us, the fern represents growth, resilience, and our connection to the land. Over time, it has become a unifying national symbol, appearing in military, police, and sports contexts to embody strength, unity, and pride. Rooted in our traditions, the fern reflects the essential relationship between tangata (people) and whenua (land), which remains central to our identity and well-being.
Cultural Significance in Te Ao Māori
Ferns have long been part of our lives, both practically and spiritually. The ponga, with its silvery-white underside, was used by our tipuna to mark trails through the forest. The reflective underside helped whānau (families) find their way under the moonlight. Symbolically, the unfurling frond—known as a koru—represents new life, growth, and the cycle of renewal.
Beyond symbolism, ferns also had important uses:
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Medicinal purposes: We used the roots of bracken (rarauhe) to soothe digestive issues.
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Weaving and crafts: Fronds were woven into raranga (baskets) and mats, essential tools in our daily lives.
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Food source: Some fern shoots were gathered and eaten, helping sustain us in the forests.
Our relationship with the land is shaped by kaitiakitanga (guardianship). We act as kaitiaki (guardians) of the environment, knowing that whenua (land) is not just a resource but a taonga (treasure) passed from our ancestors to care for and protect for future generations.
National Identity (Tūrangawaewae) The widespread use of the fern symbol across military, police, and sports contexts highlights its importance in fostering a sense of national pride and unity among New Zealanders, bridging cultural gaps and promoting inclusivity.
Māori Representation (Whakarangatanga Māori) The incorporation of the fern in these contexts acknowledges Māori contributions to Aotearoa’s history and identity, promoting greater awareness and respect for Māori culture among all New Zealanders.
Māori Battalion (Te Ope Taua Māori)
The Māori Battalion, known as Te Ope Taua Māori, adopted the silver fern (Pākākā or Pōhutukawa) as part of its insignia. This symbol represented the soldiers’ mana (prestige) and whakapapa (genealogy), connecting them to their whānau (family) and iwi (nation).
The battalion’s use of the fern emphasized their unique cultural identity within the New Zealand military, signifying their commitment to tūrangawaewae (a place to stand) and their ancestors. The fern symbolized toa (warriors), bravery, resilience, and loyalty to both their people and their country.
New Zealand Police (Ngā Pirihimana o Aotearoa)
The silver fern (Pākākā) is also used by Ngā Pirihimana o Aotearoa, the New Zealand Police, representing their commitment to serve and protect the community. Its presence on uniforms and vehicles reflects a connection to whanaungatanga (relationships) and the diverse cultural heritage of Aotearoa.
The incorporation of the fern acknowledges the historical significance of Māori and their role in maintaining peace within their hapū (sub-nation) and whānau, promoting a sense of partnership and respect for Māori culture.
Sports Teams (Ngā Rōpū Hākinakina)
The silver fern (Pākākā) is prominently featured in the emblems and uniforms of various New Zealand sports teams, including the national rugby team, the All Blacks. It represents pride and unity, symbolizing the strength and spirit of New Zealanders.
In rugby, the fern embodies the values of kapa haka, teamwork, resilience, and excellence. The haka, carried out before matches, pays homage to Mana Whenua and inspires strength among the players.
Conclusion
The silver fern (Pākākā) serves as a powerful symbol of both Māori identity and broader national pride in Aotearoa. Its use in the military, police, and sports emphasizes themes of strength, resilience, and cultural heritage, reflecting the deep connections between Māori and the land. This multifaceted significance helps to promote a shared sense of identity and respect for the diverse cultures that make up Aotearoa New Zealand society, reinforcing the idea of he whenua, he iwi, he mana (a land, a people, a honour).
