At its heart, the logo reflects the four cardinal winds, symbolising the journeys that carried people across the oceans from Hawaiki, guided by knowledge and resilience. These winds are represented as four sweeping koru, wrapping around and guiding the sail of the waka.
Working closely with Riki and the NMW team, I reinterpreted the original concept with care, aligning the design with Riki’s intent by adjusting key elements including the direction, scale, and curvature of the sail. I also developed a broader visual language featuring custom patterns inspired by water and wind, extending the story across the identity. The result is a refined system that feels both familiar and fresh—anchored in whakapapa, yet ready for the journey ahead.
