Ko Hāta Maria The National Icon of Aotearoa New Zealand

The icon Ko Hāta Maria te Matua Wahine o te Atua Holy Mary Mother of God stands as the national image of Our Lady for Aotearoa New Zealand. Commissioned by the New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference to mark the historic rededication of the nation to Mary Mother of God Assumed into Heaven this artwork is a powerful expression of faith unity and identity. The painting was created by Damien Walker of The Studio of Saint Philomena working in close collaboration with Māori advisor Anthony Kemp. Together they drew the depth of Catholic tradition and Māori symbolism into a single sacred image designed to belong to all people.

 

The Commission and the National Marian Shrine

This image holds a unique place in the life of the Church in Aotearoa. It was created as part of the bishops’ rededication of the country and led to the elevation of St Mary of the Angels in Wellington as New Zealand’s first National Shrine to Mary Mother of God Assumed into Heaven. The icon was also at the heart of the national hīkoi Te Ara a Maria Mary’s Way. This tour of renewal saw the image travel to parishes marae and schools across every diocese supported by official resources to foster a nationwide connection to our patroness.

 

Narrative and Symbolism of Our Lady of New Zealand

At the heart of the painting stands Mary clothed in a rich blue korowai. The color reflects the plumage of the pūkeko and the surrounding oceans while the cloak is edged with poutama the ascending pattern symbolizing the journey toward heavenly knowledge. Her dress features fleur‑de‑lis traditional symbols of the Virgin Mary and the Holy Trinity stylized to evoke the koru and connect her deeply to the land. Mary wears a tiki signifying her unique role as Mother of God alongside a rosary and a mere representing the spiritual weapons she offers in the struggle against evil. In her hand she holds a twelve‑pronged fern symbolizing the twelve apostles whom she nurtures as Queen of the Apostles.

 

The Christ Child wrapped in a rare kahu kiwi kiwi feather cloak carries a lectionary representing the Word of God with a cover based on the prayerbook of Bishop Pompallier. Together they stand before a marae welcoming the viewer into a space of encounter. Mary’s raised hand forms a karanga the traditional call of welcome while Christ’s blessing hand gestures haere mai inviting all into the family of God.

The Whakapapa of the Church in Aotearoa

 

The composition is framed by the four Evangelists stylized as kaitiaki guardians protecting the faith and watching over the people. Positioned beneath them are four whare rūnanga that connect this image to the foundational history or whakapapa of the Church in this land. These represent St Peter’s Basilica in Rome the Basilica of Our Lady of Fourvière in Lyon associated with the Marist pioneers Te Tii at Waitangi where the first Mass on the mainland was celebrated and Motuti in the Far North the final resting place of Bishop Pompallier. These places express kotahitanga unity across oceans cultures and centuries gathered into a single image centered on Christ and His Mother.

 

Official References and Resources

• Commissioning Authority New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference

• The National Shrine St Mary of the Angels Wellington

• Official Project Hub Te Ara a Maria Mary’s Way

• Detailed Commentary Official Artwork Guide PDF