Te Ira Here
The 'Koohatu' is a marble treasure originating from the Nerang country, part of the Yugambeh nation.
Matua Shane Graham, the talented kaiwhakairo (carver), created this beautiful treasure.
In 2023, a gathering took place involving the Taura Pouwhakarae, Poutuakana, and Aunty Marlene, an Aboriginal woman from the Badjhiri tribe near the southern border of Queensland close to Nerang.
During this meeting, they discussed various elements, blending koorero from whakaaro Maaori (Māori thought) and whakaaro iwi taketake (Indigenous thought). Through these discussions, the name of the taonga (treasure) was conceived.
"Te Ira Here"
Te Ira Here means "The Binding of DNA"
"Ira" refers to DNA or genes
"Here" means to fasten or bind.
This name symbolises the binding of Māori DNA with that of the Indigenous peoples from this land.