Korohihī Ao Korohihī Pō is more than a brand, it is a living kaupapa of reo revitalisation for Ngātiwai. I was engaged to create a visual identity that carried the heartbeat of the reo, expressing duality, whakapapa, and the journey from unseen to seen.

The Challenge

Develop a culturally grounded brand identity that honours Ngātiwai worldview while engaging modern audiences.

Ensure the brand can live across platforms: guidelines, apparel, digital, social media, and podcast presence.

The Approach

Anchored design in Ngātiwai narratives: Ao & Pō, Whakapapa, and Moana.

Drew on traditional forms such as unaunahi (fish scales) to express unity, strength, and continuity.

Crafted a bilingual, flexible system that balanced bold cultural expression with clarity and accessibility.

The Solution

Wordmark: Inspired by the flowing waters of Ngātiwai, fluid arcs and rhythmic forms reflect movement and life.

Colour System: Two-tone pairings symbolising the horizon, where light meets dark, sea meets sky, past
meets future.

Patterns: Unaunahi reimagined into Ngā Hikaua pattern, representing whakapapa, growth, and aspiration.

The Outcome

Delivered a comprehensive brand guideline ensuring long-term cultural and visual integrity.

Created a living identity that Ngātiwai can use across platforms to revitalise and celebrate their reo.

Recognised for its balance of tradition and innovation, showing how
indigenous worldviews can inform contemporary design.