Conceptualized by our whanau and brought to life by artist MJC in Aotearoa, New Zealand, this design draws inspiration from the principles of hauora (health and well-being), deeply rooted in whakapapa (genealogy) and whanaungatanga (the bonds of family, community, and significant relationships).
Similar to trees (rakau), tāngata (people) are blown about by the winds (hau) of life (ora). When a tree stands alone in the wind, its shallow roots may lead to illness (māuiui), uprooting, withering and death. However, when we return to our Tūrangawaewae (a place of belonging, empowerment, and connection) and stand within our ngahere (forest), we find support from our whanau (family) and community, while drawing nourishment from our tupuna (ancestors).
Mental health presents a significant challenge among all people, resulting in social isolation, heightened suicide rates, anxiety, and addiction. Our intention is to illuminate this issue positively, encouraging everyone to extend a helping hand to those in need and participate in the collective effort.
Our whanau strongly believes that a healthy tinana (body) begets a healthy hinengaro (mind), encapsulated by the phrase "Strong is happy" (Kia Kaha, kia Harikoa). Let us rally behind and uplift our whanau, fostering strength and well-being, so that we may stand united.
Shirt Design - COMING SOON
The design encompasses our plate design, complemented by a Whakatauki (Maori proverb):
"Hurihia tō aroaro ki te rā, tukuna tō ātārangi kia taka ki muri ki a koe."
Turn your face towards the sun, and the shadows fall behind you.
If you're feeling like you need support to get weight off your chest feel free to visit our recommended support links below;
https://www.depression.org.nz/get-better/your-identity/maori/
Te Yard Fitness - West Auckland Whanau owned kaupapa based group fitness with supportive classes for all. Special wahine (women) and Tane (men) classes available too.
Let lift some tin together
https://www.teyardfitness.com/
https://www.iamhope.org.nz/
