Māori patterns carry deep symbolism, woven into the fabric of our culture through generations. Each design tells a story of strength, connection, growth, and resilience, reflecting the values and histories of our people.

These patterns are found in whakairo (carving), tukutuku (woven panels), tāniko (intricate weaving), raranga (plaiting), tā moko (traditional tattooing), kowhaiwhai (painted rafter patterns), and contemporary Māori art. Whether adorning marae, personal taonga, or modern designs, these symbols continue to hold significance today.

Explore the meanings behind Niho Taniwha, Ngā Hau e Whā, Poutama, Mangōpare, and Koru, and discover the stories they carry. I use traditional Māori patterns throughout my work however you may give your Dreads & Honey taonga their own meaning.

Niho Taniwha – The Teeth of the Guardian

Traditional Meaning:A symbol of protection, strength, and leadership, niho taniwha represents the warriors and rangatira (leaders) who stand strong for their people. It speaks of resilience, intergenerational knowledge, and the unbreakable bonds of whakapapa (ancestry).

Dreads & Honey Vibe:Like the bite of the taniwha, this pattern holds sharp edges and commanding presence—unapologetically bold, like those who wear it. It carries the same energy as a warrior’s defiant haka, a rhythm of resistance, and a mark of legacy that refuses to be silenced.

Ngā Hau e Whā – The Four Winds

Traditional Meaning:A pattern representing the four cardinal directions, Ngā Hau e Whā symbolizes unity, movement, and connection across land and sea. It acknowledges the many paths and stories that weave us together as a people.

Dreads & Honey Vibe:This pattern moves like air through the whiri (braids) of change, a nod to those whose journeys have shaped them into who they are today. It’s about movement, adaptability, and the way we carry our tūpuna with us, no matter where the winds take us.

Poutama – The Stairway of Growth

Traditional Meaning:The Poutama pattern reflects the journey of learning and achievement, stepping upward through knowledge, challenges, and spiritual growth. It’s a visual reminder that true mastery is built layer by layer, never in haste but always with purpose.

Dreads & Honey Vibe:This is the grind, the hustle, the elevation. It represents the determination to rise, to learn, and to honor both struggle and success. Like the intricate work of whakairo (carving) or woven tukutuku panels, it speaks of persistence, whakapapa, and the pursuit of something greater.

Mangōpare – The Hammerhead Shark

Traditional Meaning:Symbolizing strength, determination, and tenacity, the Mangōpare pattern is inspired by the relentless nature of the hammerhead shark—fierce, strategic, and unyielding in battle.

Dreads & Honey Vibe:This is for the fighters, the hustlers, the ones who never back down. It carries the same energy as war paint before battle, a mark of those who refuse to be broken, who navigate life’s waters with precision and power.

Koru – The Unfolding of Life

Traditional Meaning:The koru represents new beginnings, growth, and harmony. Inspired by the unfurling fern frond, it reflects the beauty of evolution and the cycles of life.

Dreads & Honey Vibe:It’s fresh starts, rebirth, and soft power—a contrast to the sharpness of the warrior symbols but just as powerful. The koru is the flow, the balance between strength and softness, grounding all the boldness with the essence of mauri (life force) and aroha (love).