Hokotohu was designed in 2007 for the Hokotehi Moriori Trust identity under direction from Charlie Ward at DNA. Hokotehi represents Moriori people — the descendants of Rongomaiwhenua and Rongomaitere on the islands of Rēkohu and Rangihaute (Chatham Islands), in New Zealand and elsewhere. Hokotohu’s serifs are modelled on Rākau momori. Rākau momori are unique ancestral Moriori carvings (or bruisings) into living kōpi trees. Many of these carvings, or dendroglyphs, survive today. They have powerful spiritual associations, although their meanings are debated.