Ancestor inspires Cup shirt

Pira-Hira Tukapua says her ancestor would approve of her design. Photo / Mark Mitchell

A descendant of Te Rauparaha has used her ancestor's famous Ka Mate haka as inspiration for apparel designs for next year's Rugby World Cup.

Graphic designer Pira-Hira Tukapua, a direct descendant through her mother, reckons her famous warrior tupuna would approve.

"It's bold, it's strong, it won't be confused for anything else. It represents his life. I think he'd like it, mostly because I did it."

The design incorporates a warrior in silhouette holding a taiaha, representing her famous Ngati Toa forebear, and the phrase "Ka Mate".

A kowhaiwhai pattern represents past, present and future generations.

Tukapua, 30, is one of six Maori artists whose work will feature on official merchandise to be sold under an agreement between tournament organisers Rugby World Cup Ltd, Te Runanga o Ngati Toa, the artists and Nga Aho, the collective of Maori professional designers.

Merchandisers will be able to buy the rights to use 11 designs, which were launched yesterday at Takapuwahia Marae in Porirua. Ngati Toa and the artists will receive a royalty.

The tribe has objected in the past to the commercial exploitation of the Ka Mate haka, by car manufacturer Fiat in 2006 which had Italian models giving it a slap-dash whirl.

Tukapua said her situation was different because Ngati Toa had actively been involved in the process.

"The tribe should benefit. [Te Rauparaha] was the author, composer. It doesn't make sense if the iwi doesn't benefit."