Geo-Tees celebrates the geothermal industry and scientific research with bold designs, creative graphics, Māori kupu, and a unique blend of science and culture.
Arawhata
At the Intersection of Language and Geothermal Science
Discover the unique fusion of Mātauranga Māori and cutting-edge geothermal science with the Arawhata T-shirt collection. Featuring 18 carefully chosen Te Reo Māori terms sourced from the Waiwhatu-Arawhata Project, each shirt celebrates the rich cultural heritage and scientific language of Aotearoa’s geothermal world. These designs act as a bridge—Arawhata—connecting indigenous knowledge and modern science, inviting you to wear and share the powerful stories and concepts that shape New Zealand’s geothermal landscape. Perfect for those passionate about language, culture, and earth science alike.
Foundation: 15 Waiwhatu - Geothermal fluid
Definition / Whakamārama
Wai – liquid, oil, etc; whatu – stone, core
Geothermal fluid is the liquid present inside a geothermal reservoir that can flow to the surface naturally or through wells. Geothermal fluid is the energy carrier that allows the extraction and utilization of heat from the earth.
Ko te waiwhatu te wē e mau ana i te māpuna hanawhatu, ā, ka rere noa ake rānei, ka rere rānei ma te pokanga puna ki te mata o te whenua. Ko te waiwhatu hoki he kawenga ngao e tatū ai te tangohanga ake me te whakamahinga atu i te hana o te whenua.
15 Waiwhatu - Geothermal fluid Size Guide
| Size label | Length | Width | Sleeve length |
|---|---|---|---|
|
S
|
26.62
|
18.25
|
16.25
|
|
M
|
28
|
20.25
|
17.75
|
|
L
|
29.37
|
22
|
19
|
|
XL
|
30.75
|
24
|
20 1/2
|
|
2XL
|
31.62
|
26
|
21.75
|
|
3XL
|
32 1/2
|
27.75
|
23.25
|
|
4XL
|
33 1/2
|
29.75
|
24.63
|
About the Arawhata Collection
The Arawhata project presented a unique opportunity to bridge Māori language (te reo Māori) and geothermal science by creating new kupu (words) that describe geothermal activity and environments. This initiative arose from the challenge of finding meaningful, relevant Māori terms to express complex scientific concepts used in geothermal research.
The resulting Waiwhatu-Arawhata Comms Toolkit serves as a vibrant educational resource to help people learn and engage with these new kupu. You can explore the toolkit here: Waiwhatu-Arawhata Comms Toolkit
Inspired by this meaningful collaboration, the Arawhata t-shirts are designed to visually embody this fusion of knowledge and culture—making the language of geothermal science accessible, wearable, and celebrated.
Visual Design System
To support this journey of shared understanding, I developed a visual design system that incorporates geometric shapes, typography, and colour—reflecting both the scientific precision of earth sciences and the rich cultural heritage of Mātauranga Māori (indigenous knowledge). By listening closely to scientists and interpreting their technical language through a Māori lens, the project has fostered a shared language that unites western science and indigenous wisdom.
Inspired by this meaningful collaboration, the Arawhata t-shirts are designed to visually embody this fusion of knowledge and culture—making the language of geothermal science accessible, wearable, and celebrated.