what does matau symbolize
A hei matau is a bone or greenstone carving in the shape of a highly stylised fish hook typical of the MÄori people of New Zealand.They represent strength, good luck and safe travel across water.egend holds that the shape of Hawke Bay is that of the hei matau, which caught in the fish's side on the beach. The MÄori name for the North island, Te Ika a Maui (The fish of Maui) reflects this legend. For the MÄori, the hei matau is taonga (a cultural treasure).