The design represents ‘Ngake’ one of the two taniwha that once inhabited the Wellington Harbour, which at the time was a lake cut off from the sea.
Ngake was the stronger of the two taniwha, his energy, perseverance and strength were definite qualities as highlighted in a lot of the historical data.
The story ends with Ngake breaking out of the lake with such a force, hence creating Te Awakairangi (the Hutt River), and escaping out to sea.
It is with this in mind that `Ngake’ is likened to `tauira Maori’, many of whom are on their journey of discovery, their pursuit of education.
Although Ngake was never seen again, it is still believed that he resides in the turbulent waters of Te Moana-o-Raukura (Cook Strait), but when the sea is calm, Ngake is off exploring Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa (The Pacific Ocean).
‘Whaia Te Karamatamata Ki tōna Tiketiketanga’…