He Tohu, He Tuakiri: Designing iron-on tohu/symbol or emblem that reflects identity, language, and culture of settings - Christchurch

Christchurch - Saturday 2 May 2026 - 9am-1pm

Looking at the resurgence and influence of traditional Māori kakahū/clothing and expressions of identity through contemporary clothing that shows this. ‘Speaking Without Saying’ – Through the wearing of clothing that portray a message of identity, language, culture. Even sending a political message without having to say a word.

Kaiako will create a collaborative tohu that represents the language, culture, and identity of their setting.

Suitable for Teaching teams and leaders, including student teachers. This could also include centre whānau as a collaborative design process.

Creating a collaborative tohu, kaiako will learn about the design process and meanings of Māori patterns like poutama, niho taniwha, koru, kowhaiwhai. Perhaps even creating a centre whakatauāki that links to centre philosophy.

It connects kaiako, tamariki, and whānau to a sense of identity based around the centre, kaiako will research and learn about narratives of the area. It would be their own tohu that they could then use on kakahū such as t-shirts for tamariki and whānau, or to use on high visibility vests that centres use on excursions.

Presenter: Marlena Bunnage - Lecturer | Kaiako

I started my career in early childhood education (ECE) when my tamariki (19yrs & 16yrs) were very young. I studied with what was then Te Tari Puna Ora o Aotearoa gaining my Bachelor in Teaching (ECE). I worked as a kaiako for many years and moved into leadership roles within ECE. I then moved into a unique position, working in a reo rua centre as a whānau ora navigator supporting whānau in various ways.

I am passionate about language, culture and identity. Am currently studying in the Masters of Māori and Indigenous Leadership. I am also passionate about Māori art and design which is a focus of her Masters project and this wānanga.