Above: This image shows some of the steps I went through to create the logo
1. Choose Leader, I choose Te Kooti to research and create an award for to comemorate his inspiring actions against the Cruel English leaders.
2. Create Award, After analysing Te Kooti's actions it was clear he was deeply religious, but was equally committed to sharing these peaceful and inspriring views with others.
He has really managed to create a lasting impact, one that is still strong within over 16,000 New Zealanders. For these reasons my award is named the 'Order of Spiritualism and Peace'.
3. The 'Order of Spiritualism and Peace' consists of two parts. Spiritualism meaning Religious or deeply Philosophical and anything associated or meaning the same as those. Peace represents just that, and the winner of this award would need to be known for going about their actions in a peaceful way, not battling for them. Peace would also mean the winner must not have provoked violence because of their actions.
My badge (below) has much spiritual and religious importance shown through the figures and words upon it.
- The Koru in the foreground of which is made of bone represents in Maori Culture Growth and Harmony, and the Peace side of this award.
- The cross in the background made of stone represents religion and spiritual belief, and the Spiritualism side of this award.
- The words situated down the right side aswell as the same to the right of the face of the cross read Peace, Growth, Harmony, three important aspects of this award, and the meaning of the Koru
- The same is written down the left side and to the left of the face of the cross but this time translated into Maori
- Peace, Growth, Harmony is also the Motto for this award as it has importance in all aspects of the award, and sums up the intentions of the winner
- The colours of this award hold no known importance but are original colours of both the figures so I choose to keep them
4. Nomination Summary, As I explained in the second section it was clear why Te Kooti would win this award. His determination to educate himself in the ways of the bible lead him to share this knowledge and morals with other Maori people, all while stuck in a prison. But it was when he escaped that prison that the impacts began to hit home. He not only gave many people a peaceful and just religion to follow and guide them through the tough times, but also provided inspriration for all Maori if they chose to follow him or not.
We can see his significant impacts on the community in many Bay of Island residents even today, as they join the 16,000 followers. Surely he epitomises what are the true values of life that many carelessly take for granted.
By Daniel Coats
