Our
Symbols
Our symbols tell the story of the prisoner’s journey from jail to a succesful re-integration into the community. Rehabilitated life on the outside does not come without it’s challenges. Throughout the journey, the prisoner ‘grows’ spiritually and the Bond enables healing and reconciliation.
Hei Matua
Fishhook
Symbolises: New life / strength.
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Often made from Greenstone.
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Represents strength good luck and safe travel over water.
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Also associated with land, prosperity and fertility.
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Taonga = national treasure.
Pounamu
Greenstone
Symbolises: Taonga / treasure + agreement.
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Very important in Maori / New Zealand culture.
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Increases mana from generation to generation (passed on > spirit passed on).
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Used as gift to seal important agreements.
Mountains
‘Mehema ka tuahu ahau me maunga teitei’
Maori proverb:
‘If I should bow my head, let it be to a big mountain’.
Symbolises: The challenge that needs to be overcome.
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Important New Zealand feature.
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Volcano = unpredictable, renewing the landscape.
Pukeko
Purple Swamp Hen
Symbolises: Influences & events that takes focus away from rehabilitaion.
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Indigenous to New Zealand.
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Known for their bold, scheming determination.
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Stubborn / annoying person compared to Pukeko (to have Pukeko ears / taringa Pakara).
Koru
Fern frond
Symbolises: New life, family, growth & peace.
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Maori = ‘loop’.
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Traditionally used to decorate Maori wharenui / meeting house.
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A fern frond unfurling.
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The circular shape shows perpetual movement - returns back to origin.
Tane mahuta
Kauri Tree
Symbolises: Unity, strength, community & family.
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Indigenous to New Zealand.
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Standing up to 50m tall = formidable.
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Unique ecological niché relationship with the soil below. Root system shallow, but peg roots anchor firmly.
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Tui
Parson Bird
Symbolises: The protectors / The Bond Trust volunteers & staff.
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Indigenous to New Zealand.
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Tui considered to be very intelligent.
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Call resembles human speech / myriad of vocalisations.
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Can be very aggresive - chasing birds (large or small) from their territory (flapping wings loudly).
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Figures
Symbolises: The old life / ways.
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Gangs trying to reconnect on the ‘outside’.
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The unknown dangers / bad influences.​
