Te Au Roa o Te Rakihouia

Visual Identity, Tohu Design & Illustration System

Te Au Roa o Te Rakihouia is a partnership between Kāi Tahu and the Department of Conservation dedicated to protecting and caring for a network of marine reserves along the southeast coast of Te Waipounamu. Developed in collaboration with Aukaha, this project sought to create a visual identity that reflects the ecological richness, cultural significance, and interconnected nature of the marine environments within the reserve network.

Tohu Design

The overarching tohu artwork was developed as a visual expression of the marine reserve network as one interconnected system. Inspired by the journey of Te Rakihouia and the relationship between whenua, moana, and people, the illustration combines a realistic depiction of the southeast coastline with kōwhaiwhai patterns woven through the landscape. Rays of light highlight each reserve, while the flowing forms represent connection, protection, and the abundance of life within the moana.

Reserve Identifiers

Each marine reserve was given its own unique identifier, informed by the ecological and cultural characteristics that make the area distinct.

Hākinikini

Overall shape draws on the form of a limpet and freshwater mussel, with waves breaking against schist rock. Within the form, layered schist textures cradle kōura, while unaunahi patterns in the wave express protection and the abundance of marine life.

Ōkāihae

A mako shark fin breaks the surface of the water, with Ōkāihae (Green Island) below.
Patterns within the fin express protection and the abundance of marine life, while mangōpare references the presence and strength of sharks alongside rich seabird life.

Ōrau

Pāua forms emerge across reef and canyon structures, expressing regeneration and resilience within the marine environment. Within the shape layered reef systems and underwater canyons are reflected through kaokao forms.

Papanui

An abundance of marine life gathers above deep sea canyons, with the prow of a waka breaking through the surface. Within the form Unaunahi patterns express protection and abundance, while tukutuku aramoana references the intricate bryozoan thickets and canyon systems below.

Te Umu Kōau

An estuary sits beneath a maunga, expressing the meeting of land and sea. Within the form, flowing koru represent the movement of river to estuary, alongside pātiki (flounder), while unaunahi and pākura patterns express abundance, protection, and the presence of fish and birdlife.

Waitaki

A maunga leads the river system as it flows toward the moana. Mountain forms anchor the composition, while kōura and kōhaka are nestled within, supported by unaunahi patterns expressing protection and abundance.

Logo

The logo is derived from the kōwhaiwhai system, distilled into a simplified and adaptable form. Its overall shape draws from the form of a waka sail and niho (tooth), symbolising navigation, strength, and endurance.

Copyright for the Te Au Roa o Te Rakihouia identity and associated artwork belongs to Te Au Roa o Te Rakihouia and its project partners.

I am deeply grateful to Aukaha, Kāi Tahu, the Department of Conservation, and the many individuals who generously shared their knowledge, stories, and expertise throughout the development of this work. It was a privilege and humbling experience to contribute to a kaupapa of such significance.

To learn more about Te Au Roa o Te Rakihouia, the marine reserves, and the partnership behind them, please visit the Department of Conservation website or watch the project video.