
Theme: Tāmaki Herenga Waka
Tāmaki Makaurau is historically known for drawing people together both pre and post colonially. For generations, waka of all forms have moored on this isthmus to trade, exchange information, wage war and broker peace.
Te waka e hoe nei tātou | Our shared journey
The design reflects the commitment of Te Rōpū Whakahau in providing an opportunity for indigenous information professionals to network, share and discuss best practice models in the interest of fostering and preserving indigenous languages, traditions, cultures and values within libraries, museums, archives and other educational institutions.
The image of a waka over dark blue water is the main theme for this logo. In place of the traditional tauihu (carved bow), there are two white shapes that represent kōmaru (sails), with the mangopare (Hammerhead shark) design inside them. The Mangopare design is used in the logo for Te Rōpū Whakahau signifying autonomy, resilience and determination for excellence. Nowhere is this more evident or appropriate than the International Indigenous Librarians Forum. The dark blue above and below the lettering represents the Tāmaki isthmus and the two harbours Te Waitematā and Manukau whose waters flow to Te Tai-o-Rehua (Tasman Sea) and Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa (Pacific Ocean). The light blue represents te ao marama (the world of light) and is personified by the host wharenui (meeting house), Tānenui-a-Rangi (Tāne bringer of higher consciousness), who retrieved the 3 baskets of knowledge and is also known as the bringer of light from when he separated his parents Rangi and Papa and brought light into the world.