Poutama StoryTile
As with all our StoryTiles, the Poutama design transforms with each turn upon its four edges, revealing new layers of understanding within its ascending pattern. Inspired by the stepped design found in traditional tukutuku and weaving, Poutama represents the continual climb toward knowledge, balance, and enlightenment. Each tier reflects a stage of learning — spiritual, intellectual, and physical — a reminder that growth is not linear but cyclical, revisited through experience and reflection.
All our StoryTiles can be rotated to reveal not only a new design, but a new story encoded within it. This unique feature allows a single design to hold multiple narratives, offering both variety and depth. Below, you’ll discover how the spinning design works, the stories behind each orientation, and the richness of our colour palette.
Poutama arapiki
Poutama arapiki represents the continual climb toward knowledge, balance, and enlightenment. Each tier reflects a stage of learning - spiritual, intellectual, and physical - a reminder that growth is not linear but cyclical, revisited through experience and reflection.
The design of this tile follows the shape of a descending "spiritual" stairway(1), a life force known as Mauri(2) which indicates the directional flow of the tile. These are connected to a physical stairway of success(3).
Poutama araheke
Poutama araheke represents the mastery of descent, negotiation, and returning pathways. Each tier reflects a stage of memory - near, far, and critical - a reminder that growth is not just progressive but cyclical, enhanced through consideration and reflection.
The directional flow and design of this tile is the opposite to the flow of the Poutama arapiki StoryTile above.
Poutama
Whai Wairua
Poutama whai wairua teaches us that there are no mistakes — there is only learning. Each trial and tribulation is a rung beneath our feet, steadying us for the next climb. It shows that success is not defined by reaching the top alone, but by the resilience gained along the way, by the wisdom found in setbacks, and by the collective strength of those who ascend with us.
In this design we are uplifted by the spiritual elements which behave as a platform from which we can launch.
Poutama
Huri Haere
This StoryTile speaks to both the individual and the collective. It honours personal achievement and discipline while reminding us that collective success is just as vital — that the staircase is wide enough for all, and stronger when climbed together. In this way, poutama becomes more than a design; it becomes a philosophy of life. It urges us to embrace each step — upward or downward — as part of the unfolding pattern of growth, reminding us that progress is not measured by perfection, but by the courage to keep moving.
This design reflects evolution as the tile seeks to return back to where it was, improved and enhanced
Explore the
Collection
Our collection of StoryTiles can be purchased by clicking and ordering any of the following.
