Ara Poutama invited us to illuminate their journey towards deeper cultural understanding, a venture they likened to embarking on a Waka voyage. This metaphor captures their commitment to guiding both long-standing and new staff members towards the aims of the Hōkai Rangi Strategic Plan.

Our task was to weave this narrative, ensuring clarity in its purpose, content, and the symbolic significance of the Waka. The Māori worldview, which emphasises the interconnectedness of all things within the natural and spiritual realms, was a key consideration. It underscored the importance of engaging with Māori experts in knowledge and arts to depict this story of connection. Through the creation of an artwork, we aimed to visually narrate this journey, with each design element symbolising different facets and stories within the overarching narrative.