The Supercars volunteers’ shirts were also designed by Mr Brown and the design acknowledges the three essences of life: land, water and wind.
The shirt back has pyramids representing the local mountains Tauhara and Maunganamu, and the wind.
“There is a divine narrative from the local hapū: ‘Ka rere hau ki hea, ka rere hau ki Tauhara’ - from where does the wind come, it comes from Tauhara’. This is a saying that recognises that Tauhara provides a special presence and life force to the land and its people.”
The front has a mako (shark) design which acknowledges water, Taupō Moana and references the Central North Island’s location at the Te Puko o Te Ika (the belly of the fish). Mr Brown also explained that the design represents strength, determination, perseverance, and respect; qualities that world class navigators and drivers must possess.
At the pōwhiri, Tauhara hapū warmly welcomed Supercars officials, drivers and their families with a haka and greetings for everyone coming to the Taupō District for the New Zealand round of the Supercars Championship, the ITM Taupō Super400.
Taupō District Mayor David Trewavas acknowledged the important role the local hapū played in supporting Supercars choosing to race in the district.
“I want to extend our thanks to Ngāti Tūwharetoa, in particular ngā hapū o te Hikuwai as tangata whenua, for their support of this event,” he says.
The ITM Taupō Super400 is on from 19 to 21 April. More information available at www.taupo.govt.nz/supercars