Tāonga Ngaro (Lost Treasure), is a paddle that speaks to the historical and ongoing impact of colonisation on Te Reo Māori and tikanga Māori. It symbolises the cultural treasures that have been suppressed, silenced, or marginalised across generations. This paddle does not merely reflect loss—it carries within its grain the story of resistance, remembrance, and renewal.

At the heart of this taonga lies the whakataukī: “E kore au e ngaro, he kākano i ruia mai i Rangiātea.”I shall never be lost, I am a seed sown from Rangiātea.

This whakataukī embodies the deep truth that despite efforts to erase the Māori language, customs, and stories, the essence of Māori identity endures. Like seeds scattered from the sacred homeland of Rangiātea, its culture is never truly lost—it lies dormant, waiting to rise again when nurtured.

Made with recycled rimu, this piece measures: 1150 mm (L) x 145 mm (W) x 30 mm (D)