The explosive imagery and vibrant colour captured within the image of the Cabbage Tree – “Ti Rakau” fronds are in stark contrast to the static almost subdued image of the Maori weapon, the “Taiaha”. However both belie a sudden and violent portent of force which simmers beneath their contrasting exteriors. Push too hard and the implications of the reply when either nature or man pushes back leave indelible scars upon the land and its people.