Tōmaiora tohu (logo)

Designed in 2013 by local artist Graham Tipene (Ngāti Whātua, Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Manu, Ngāti Kahu, Ngāti Haua), the Tōmaiora tohu signifies the unique context within which Tōmaiora is located.

Situated within the central isthmus of Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland), Tōmaiora acknowledges Ngāti Whātua o Orākei mana whenua over this area. The depiction of ‘Rangitoto maunga (Ngā Rangi i totongia ā Tama Te Kapua) within the Tōmaiora tohu signifies the multiple connections with Tainui, Ngāti Awa and Te Arawa Iwi. Rangitoto is an island volcano and over the years has become a significant maunga for members of Ngāti Whātua o Orākei who gaze at its beauty from their homelands at Takaparawhau. Rangitoto is located just off the coast of the Auckland waterfront and Ngati Paoa have mana whenua status there. Rangitoto also reminds us of Rūaumoko and our connection to the whenua through our korero of Ātua.

The Manaia (guardian) acknowledges the location of Tōmaiora within the University of Auckland and the journey of students looking to move from Te Pō (darkness) to Te Ao Mārama (light) in the pursuit of knowledge. It is also placed beneath the maunga to remember the kōrero of Rūaumoko as a child of Ranginui and Papatuānuku.