Ka Kahū Hōkioi Rorowhio Ai Aku Taringa by Charles & Janine Williams, 2020

"Ka huhū te Hōkio, rorowhio ai aku taringa - the Hōkio whirrs', my ears whirr!' ~ Papa Manu (Kaumatua, Rangitāne Iwi). The majestic & now extinct Hōkioi (Haast Eagle) was carried by the uplift of the breeze from the sea up to the hills as it flew high above the valleys of Papaioea looking down for prey. The flapping of the wings created a whirr (the huuu huuu sound) & if that connected with your hearing (the rorowhio in your ears) it was a reminder that you were prey to its grasp & needed to keep a sharper eye on your actions in life. It is a reminder for us all to have our ears tuned to the cry of the land & the people - to the efforts of strengthening the presence of mana whenua in the regions they whakapapa & connect to. Our solarised style reminds us that although it is extinct in the natural, the supernatural realm of its presence is with us always!"