Why do so many NZ gifts have a little spiral on them?

From the oldest Maori meeting houses through to corporate business logos, arts and crafts, and NZ gifts, the Koru is widely seen throughout New Zealand. Look closely and you will see it as part of an intricate Maori carving on a building, worn as a jade or bone carving, or decorating your clothing and your glassware. In fact we are surrounded by this shape, even when out in the New Zealand bush

But how and why has the Koru become so prevalent in many NZ gifts, icons and logos?

It has long featured in Maori carvings and decorations, usually incorporated and repeated as part of the overall design, until the design becomes so much more than a simple spiral. (For example the Kowhaiwhai design in the Business Card holder below incorporates four Koru).

Early Maori found inspiration for the Koru in nature. It is a Maori artistic interpretation of the fern fronds prevalent in native New Zealand wilderness.  Each fern frond emerges from the heart of the fern plant in a tightly coiled form, unfurling as it matures, until it develops the typically seen fern shape.

(This open fern has become the logo most commonly worn by NZ sports teams, for example the Silver Fern worn by the All Blacks rugby team.)

For Maori, the spiral of tightly furled young fern, uncurling as it grows, visually symbolised new beginnings and growth. The connection is easy to see, and now the Koru is widely considered to symbolize growth and development. This makes is especially appropriate for new relationships.  

 Not only does the Koru happen to have a modern stylish shape, it’s special meaning makes the Koru an appropriate icon for both uniquely NZ gifts, for personal and business gifting and for organisational use. (Take another look at our logo).

It is no wonder that so many NZ gifts feature this meaningful little spiral.