From Ngahiwi's notes: She wears her ‘moko kauae’ – chiefly tattoo on her chin to acknowledge her leadership within the whanau environment, her connection to her ‘whakapapa’ – geneology/whanau and her status within her community He wears his ‘mataora’ – chiefly facial tattoo to also acknowledge his mana, leadership and standing within his whanau and the wider community The large head sits on a strong neck symbolising knowledge, strength, commitment and courage They wear their chiefly ‘korowai’ tightly around their shoulders as a sign that they are fierce protectors as husband and wife for their whanau and those they love. The long tassles symbolise their ‘aroha’ – love, compassion and nurturing nature that they freely share with everyone that they come into contact with The 3 ‘koru’ shapes, when the ‘pou wahine’ – female pillar stands next to the pou tane – male pillar, take on the appearance of 3 humble heart shapes. These represent love, balance and harmony and the hearts also symbolise: 1. ‘Aroha’ – love and compassion ‘Pono’ – belief/truth ‘Rangimarie’ – peace, harmony 2. Father Mother Child standing together 3. Ake ake ake – forever and ever and ever 4. Nau mai, piki mai, whakatau – welcome
 
These pou have been blessed in the 'Nga Wai O Tāwhirimātea' (the waters/rain of Tāwhiri) who is the atua (god) of winds and rains.