Ngā Tohu Mārama
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Date2013DescriptionNgā Tohu Mārama / Symbols of Understanding.
In 2013, the seven laser-cut steel icons were welded in place on the pou in the lake after artist Jeremy Shirley’s “fresh, vibrant and well-composed” concept was chosen from a call for proposals for a site-specific response to the pre-existing timber posts in the lake. Shirley’s proposal resonated with the selection panel because not only was his work bright and playful, it also reflected the university whakataukī “ko te tangata” – meaning “for the people.”
Ngā Tohu Mārama, as an example of symbolism, relies on the tacit knowledge of the viewer to understand what is being signified, as each symbol has a distinct meaning linked to the university.
If approaching the work from the direction of the Academy of Performing Arts, the first symbols encountered are those that represent truth and growth. Ultimate truth is depicted as three repeating diamonds, which are used to portray excellence. The next icon represents growth, shown in the negative space of the piece as a small seed in the lower green circle, a slightly larger seed in the middle circle, and finally as it germinates—breaking through the steel and reaching toward the sky to connect with the outside world.
Continuing along the boardwalk towards the easternmost end, the next cluster of symbols is hard to miss. The green symbol shaped like the number three, with dots through it, represents communication—specifically the written word and numbers. It’s fitting that the figure resembles a numeral, as mathematics is a universal language. Across from this is the symbol representing awareness: a pink repeated eye that symbolizes life and presence. The tohu is a well-recognised flower form and represents Polynesia, symbolising fruition and completion.
Closer to the water is the darker orange symbol of fluttering flags. This represents diversity, expressed through the ubiquity of national flags around the world. The final symbol at the western end of the lake features five triangles stacked on top of each other with a mangōpare symbol cut into the top. This represents the Kiingitanga and the five Māori kings of the Tainui Waikato region prior to the Māori Queen Te Atairangikaahu. They were Pōtatau Te Wherowhero, Tāwhiao, Mahuta, Te Rata, and Korokī. The mangōpare is a well-used motif in Māori culture and primarily represents strength.
Artist Jeremy Shirley, the creative force behind Hamilton’s bright bus stops, has a long artistic and heritage background. Ngā Tohu Mārama not only demonstrates his distinctive and vibrant artistic style but also his well-rounded knowledge of the community within which the university operates. Each symbol can be further analysed, and the highly stylised nature of each leaves them open to the interpretation of the viewer. Diamonds for excellence could also be viewed as the excellence and incomparable strength achieved through pressure. Germination can be construed as analogous to education or even the importance of community—for example, quality soil. One could consider the deeper connotations of the triangle in Māori culture, or the symbolism of the eye throughout history. The piece encourages further understanding; it is left up to the viewer to determine how deep they wish to go.CreatorJeremy Shirley
In 2013, the seven laser-cut steel icons were welded in place on the pou in the lake after artist Jeremy Shirley’s “fresh, vibrant and well-composed” concept was chosen from a call for proposals for a site-specific response to the pre-existing timber posts in the lake. Shirley’s proposal resonated with the selection panel because not only was his work bright and playful, it also reflected the university whakataukī “ko te tangata” – meaning “for the people.”
Ngā Tohu Mārama, as an example of symbolism, relies on the tacit knowledge of the viewer to understand what is being signified, as each symbol has a distinct meaning linked to the university.
If approaching the work from the direction of the Academy of Performing Arts, the first symbols encountered are those that represent truth and growth. Ultimate truth is depicted as three repeating diamonds, which are used to portray excellence. The next icon represents growth, shown in the negative space of the piece as a small seed in the lower green circle, a slightly larger seed in the middle circle, and finally as it germinates—breaking through the steel and reaching toward the sky to connect with the outside world.
Continuing along the boardwalk towards the easternmost end, the next cluster of symbols is hard to miss. The green symbol shaped like the number three, with dots through it, represents communication—specifically the written word and numbers. It’s fitting that the figure resembles a numeral, as mathematics is a universal language. Across from this is the symbol representing awareness: a pink repeated eye that symbolizes life and presence. The tohu is a well-recognised flower form and represents Polynesia, symbolising fruition and completion.
Closer to the water is the darker orange symbol of fluttering flags. This represents diversity, expressed through the ubiquity of national flags around the world. The final symbol at the western end of the lake features five triangles stacked on top of each other with a mangōpare symbol cut into the top. This represents the Kiingitanga and the five Māori kings of the Tainui Waikato region prior to the Māori Queen Te Atairangikaahu. They were Pōtatau Te Wherowhero, Tāwhiao, Mahuta, Te Rata, and Korokī. The mangōpare is a well-used motif in Māori culture and primarily represents strength.
Artist Jeremy Shirley, the creative force behind Hamilton’s bright bus stops, has a long artistic and heritage background. Ngā Tohu Mārama not only demonstrates his distinctive and vibrant artistic style but also his well-rounded knowledge of the community within which the university operates. Each symbol can be further analysed, and the highly stylised nature of each leaves them open to the interpretation of the viewer. Diamonds for excellence could also be viewed as the excellence and incomparable strength achieved through pressure. Germination can be construed as analogous to education or even the importance of community—for example, quality soil. One could consider the deeper connotations of the triangle in Māori culture, or the symbolism of the eye throughout history. The piece encourages further understanding; it is left up to the viewer to determine how deep they wish to go.CreatorJeremy Shirley
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Kaitiakitanga StatementWe ask that, in addition to normal copyright and privacy considerations, users of our taonga and resources uphold the mana and dignity of the people, communities and places depicted or referred to within.CopyrightUniversity of Waikato
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Other ItemsUniversity of Waikato Sculpture Trail
Jeremy Shirley, Ngā Tohu Mārama (2013). University of Waikato, accessed 18/11/2025, https://onehera.waikato.ac.nz/nodes/view/10642