The stingray, in our world, is commonly known as whai or whai repo, carrying a range of meanings that can vary between iwi and hapū, pūrākau, environments and ancestral associations.
The stingray is sometimes viewed as a kaitiaki, particularly in coastal iwi traditions. Because it moves quietly and gracefully across the ocean, it can symbolise awareness, protection, and deep connection to the moana. In some pūrākau and cultural narratives, sightings of particular marine animals, including rays, are interpreted as signs of guidance or spiritual presence.
The symbolism of the stingray, the whai, connects powerfully to whānau hauā in ways that are grounded in kaupapa Māori.
The whai moves differently from many other creatures of the sea. It does not force its way through the water, yet it remains strong, aware, adaptive, and deeply connected to its environment. That can reflect the experiences of many whānau hauā, whose ways of moving through the world may differ from dominant expectations, but are no less intelligent, purposeful, or valuable.
The term Pae Huarahi carries rich metaphorical meaning in te ao Māori, especially for a kaupapa focused on creating new directions, movement with intention, and supporting transformation.
There is also a subtle navigational quality to the name. Traditionally, Māori pathways were not merely physical routes, but relational and ancestral journeys guided by mātauranga, tohu, and collective responsibility. “Pae Huarahi” therefore carries both practical and visionary dimensions, signifying:
Our initiatives are created by Pae Huarahi Ltd, an entity owned by partners Kaiarahi Tapiri Ltd and Te Roopu Wairoa Trust, kaupapa Maori organisations founded and governed by whānau hauā. Since 2012, these partners have created some unique initiatives based on specialist knowledge of contemporary and traditional Māori responses to disability.
There are several terms used when identifying people with disabilities. Tangata Whaikaha is now commonly used in our communities and among government agencies, including Whaikaha, the Ministry of Disabled People.
Whānau hauā is another common term. We used it here as it relates to our history, pūrākau and traditional Māori responses (see Part One of our app on the Pae Huarahi Knowledge Platform).
