Kupu whakataki
Introduction
Our visual identity (branding) has been established through an exciting journey of kōrero and design.
We wanted our designs to represent Te Kōhanga Reo and to be welcoming and engaging for our whānau, mokopuna, ākonga, kaimahi, and everyone who wants to connect with us.
When we look at these designs and what they represent, we know they are us.
At the heart of our visual identity is our tohu which is a taonga for Te Kōhanga Reo. We also have three distinct yet connected visual themes that represent our mahi and the key audiences we engage with.
These are:
Te Kaupapa (Kaupapa and Trust Governance)
Mokopuna me te Whānau (Children and Families)
Te Whare Ako (Training and Development)
Our designs represent our stories and connect where we have come from with our hopes and aspirations for the future.
Our tohu was designed in 1983 by Michelle Brown from Te Kōhanga Reo o Te Purapura Pai.
Our tohu represents te rito mokopuna nesting within the arms of their whānau. It depicts Te Kōhanga Reo as welcoming all, giving security and hope for a successful future. The rito whānau represents Māmā and Pāpā embracing mokopuna, nurturing them to grow and prosper to become future leaders of Te Kaupapa o Te Kōhanga Reo.
Te Kōhanga Reo National Trust Board maintains full trademark over the Te Kōhanga Reo tohu. Express permission must be obtained from the Te Kōhanga Reo National Trust to use it in any way.
See our Tikanga Ratonga | Terms of service for more information about the trademark and how to request permission to use our tohu.
Our Te Kaupapa designs are used for our administrative processes and governance activities that support the Kaupapa of Te Kōhanga Reo National Trust and Board.
The deep green for this theme draws on our core Kōhanga Reo colour representing the endurance and strength of the pounamu. The deep green also represents growth and kaitiakitanga over the natural world that provides us with life.
The designs for Mokopuna me te Whānau have a rainbow theme. They represent the uniqueness, vibrancy and diversity of our mokopuna, and our individual Kōhanga Reo across our rohe and the motu.
The rainbow theme also derives from ‘Ngā Taumata Whakahirahira’ that are interwoven in Te Whāriki a Te Kōhanga Reo and the portraits by Robyn Kahukiwa that are in the wharenui at Te Tari Matua, our National Office.
The yellow / green theme represents our training and development pou. The design and colours represent growth and learning and convey a sense of hiringa (high energy) and forward movement.
This design incorporates not only the kōrero from Te Whare Ako but it takes into account the forward thinking about what lies ahead for our whānau, and the possibilities and empowerment that growth brings for as individuals and us as a whole.
Coming soon
Kaimahi and whānau will soon be able to use the visual identity kete to access branded documents and templates as well as guidance on use of the various elements of our visual identity.