The Mangōpare (hammerhead shark) symbolises strength, power and ferocity. It is these characteristics and the determination to fight to the end which Maori admired. Maori believed that by eating the shark before battle all of its qualities and characteristics would pass to the warrior. Determination is underpinned by mental toughness and those who have risen to the top of their professions or sport possess this quality. The Mangōpare design symbolises physical prowess acknowledging the harder one trains the more powerful they become.

The merging of the two Mangōpare represents the union of mind/spirit and body. To achieve anything in life the two have to work together. The letters M.A.N.A on either side of the merging Mangōpare spell the word MANA which translates as authority, control, influence, power, prestige and honour. MANA is given by others to an individual and is not something one assigned to themselves. Someone who exhibits the qualities of the mangōpare and who conduct themselves well in life will make them a good candidate for others to attribute MANA to.