The Hook, Hei Matau, is carved in the shape of a stylised fishhook. It represents strength, prosperity, fertility, good luck and safe travel over water. Māori had a very strong connection to Tangaroa, god of the sea, so wearing a fish hook over water ensures safe passage as it shows a level of respect to Tangaroa for the bounty he provided.

Koru are spiral shapes based on the appearance of a new unfurling silver fern frond seen in New Zealand’s native bush. They symbolise new beginnings, personal growth, strength and peace. Designs with a single koru and multiple koru growing from it are said to represent whakapapa (ancestry). Essentially a family tree made from the koru design.