This design is based on the separation of Ranginui (sky father) and Papatuānuku (earth mother) who in the beginning lay locked in a close embrace. They had many children who were forced to live in the cramped darkness between them. Their children grew and discussed what it would be like to live in the light. One of the sons, Tane suggested to his brothers they should separate their parents. His brothers, Rongo, Tangaroa, Haumie-tiketike and Tūmatauenga, all tried in vain to separate them but only Tane was able to achieve what they desired by lying on his back and pushing upward with his legs eventually sending Ranginui to the heavens above and leaving Papatuanuku as the earth below.

The central part of the design is the goal posts. They take the form of poupou (ornately carved figures) found adorning many Māori wharenui (carved houses). Each upright has 4 figures (eight in total) etched into them. Each of the figures represents a team or person that has achieved great things in the history of New Zealand Rugby.

The crossbar depicts Tane pushing his parents Ranginui and Papatuānuku apart. Tane been credited with positive change over time including the creation of Te Ira Tangata (humankind).

Ranginui is depicted above the crossbar with Papatuānuku below gazing longingly at each other.

The poutama design (stairway) flanks each poupou and represents achievement, potential and an upward movement toward light. Beneath Papa are whenua (land), maunga (mountains), awa (rivers) and ngahere (forests). Growing from the whenua are ponga (ferns) representing the famous silver fern worn by our National teams and which has struck fear into opposition teams all over the world.