Iwi Icons Project
Here is some thinking out loud about an idea called 'iwi icon projects'. The purpose of the proposed 'iwi icon' projects is to demonstrate creativity and innovation in mātauranga Māori and involving Māori communities (iwi), to model ways of conducting initiatives of excellence and esteem within iwi communities and to develop activities that are both economically and culturally sustainable (at the same time). The inspiration for the project can be drawn from a number of places. Firstly, the name of an eponymous ancestor might be used, such as Raukawa. The meaning of the name itself might catalyse a new creative activity, such as the creation of a new perfume based upon the raukawa plant. A second potential source of ideas are taonga of traditional association and obvious association with a particular iwi. For example, Lake Taupō and Tongariro have long been associated with Ngāti Tūwharetoa. Taranaki has long been associated with the iwi of that region. The idea is to fin