About the cover artwork

The cover artwork of this book represents the braiding of rivers. As a braid is akin to raranga (weaving), the artwork draws on the concept of tāniko – the woven and embroidered edging for cloaks.

The two vertical manawa lines (depicted as decorative kōwhaiwhai patterns) on either side of the design represent the integrity and autonomy of each of the two knowledge entities (mātauranga Māori and Western knowledge), creating a safe space between them to come together and work with reciprocity.

The various colours in that shared space represent the diverse and unique knowledge, perspectives, discussions, learnings and teachings that transpire when people are open to working together for a shared goal. This space is dually representative of the ‘back and forth’ – the flow – of the interactions and conversations that can emanate when two streams of knowledge come together respectfully, as well as of the notion of having structure and intentionality in the work we do together.

Ngā kete wānanga (the three baskets of knowledge) are also reflected in the middle section, reiterating the integrity of traditional Māori knowledge.