Taki Toa Shield

TAKI TOA is an abbreviation of: TE ROOPU TOA O TE TAKITINI IWI MAORI

History

In 1983, due to the growing number of New Zealanders playing rugby in Sydney, a competition was set up in accordance with the traditional Maori sports competition in New Zealand.

The Tournament was the brainchild of Manu Nepia Sutherland and other New Zealanders playing rugby in Sydney. Manu's father Henare carved the shield, which stands approximately one meter tall and signifies the new migration of Maoris and the coming together Maoris and Australians.

The Shield

KA TO HE RA - KA URA HE RA (The sun sets - the sun rises). The Maori has fulfilled the task allotted to him in the progress of human development. He now steps aside from the old paths he has troden for so many centuries, moving ceaselessly across HINEMOANA (Pacific) to a new destiny. Taking with him sublime courage, self-reliance and tenacity in his quest to seek the rising sun and strange stars on far horizons.

His cloak is his dignity, culture and traditions. And as long as he wears it, he will always be as his ancestors were, a Maori. So be it.

The price of freedom and achievement is eternal vigilance, integrity, honesty and sustaining courage

BE PATIENT: So long as we keep the canoe on its course and to an affixed destination, buffeted at timesby stormy waters and becalmed by still seas, we will reach our landing and sing our praises to Him for His care and guidance.

KIA TUPATO, KIA MANAWANUI, KIA WEHI KI TE ATUA (Take care, take courage, fear God)

Carvings

Great care has been taken by the artist and carver to convey a feeling of pride and self-respect in the traditions, culture and love for the homeland. The proverbial phrase quoted earlier is indicated in the sun and its far reaching beams. Arising above the horizon are the peaks of Mt Egmont (Taranaki), Ngaruahoe, Tongariro, Ruapehu and Mt Cook (Aorangi) representing New Zealand (Aotearoa) as a whole. The Moana-nui-a-Kiwa lies placid between the mountains and the dipping canoes, both indicative of space, quest and traditions.

The old spiritual carvings (Takapau) were borrowed from ancient design such as the marakihau to lock in the canoes, the seas, the mountains and the guiding stars of the heavens. The spiritual powers of our ancestors were powerful and lasting, arising to phenomenal achievements and enduring memorable tales handed down from generation to generation.

One side of the lower phrase shows the genealogical tribal and family signs, and the other the guardians of the carving.

The series of designs at the bottom edge depict the all important participation of women in social and recreational events.

Phase two shows themanaias guarding the central figure and the takarangi designs interlocking the security of the central design.

The central figure

This can be named in so many different ways. It stands out, deliberately, to accept and give challenge to the distorted lines, glaring eyes and protruding tongue, inviting the physical spirit and temper of the beholder to the acknowledged fact in no uncertain terms. The distended mouth space gives room for championship medallions. The space below is separated by a football involving the codes being played. The name TAKI TOA RUGBY CHALLENGE SHIELD fills in the space.

Very conspicuous at the bottom are four simple adornments which mean NGA HAU W WHA (North, South, East and West), a favourite saying to express coverage of everyone.