Te Kaitiaki Whahangu (The Silent Guardian). This is a pou whenua (from the land). The kaitiaki stands silent and staunch in his stance. He wears his tīwhana (forehead tattoo) proudly to signify his status and authority in his realm. He wears his korowai (chiefly cloak) tighly around his shoulders which signifies a strong and resolute prescence. The te ara poutama design is very significant. Also known as the 'stairway to heaven' or the 'steps to higher learning and the pursuit of knowledge,' it represents the various stages of advancement and understanding. By adorning the korowai thus the kaitiaki communicates his aspirations to maintain peace and balance in his realm. The Silent Guardian doesn't require words or actions but his prescence alone speaks a thousand words.