2025 New Zealand Mangōpare Hammerhead Shark 1 oz Silver Colorized Proof Coin

‘Me mate ururoa, kei mate wheke – Die like a shark, not like an octopus’

This is a proverb in common use by the indigenous Māori peoples of Aotearoa New Zealand. The proverb speaks to the tenacious qualities of the mangōpare/hammerhead shark and is used to describe people who give their absolute everything, physically, mentally and spiritually when undertaking a task. It is comparable to the English axiom ‘Give it your absolute all, leave nothing in the tank’.

The graphic depiction of the mangōpare is widely used across many different contexts and situations within te ao Māori (the Māori world) and te ao Whānui (wider population). Designer Dave Burke has illustrated the mangōpare surrounded by mangopare kowhaiwhai patterns. The coin has a proof finish with selective colours evoking the habitat of the shark.

For Māori the mangōpare design can be found as a very popular inclusion in tā moko (traditional skin tatoos). It often depicts a notable ancestor in one’s whakapapa (ancestry) who exhibited the qualities of giving their all during their life.

The mangōpare design can be found in heavy use within many sporting environments and in particular on sport apparel. In this context it is always spoken about as urging individuals and teams to give their all in the pursuit of excellence.

Highlights

• 1oz silver proof coin featuring the mangopare/ hammerhead shark
• Each coin is minted from 1oz of 0.999 silver
• Designed by Dave Burke, Tauranga, New Zealand
• Low worldwide limited mintage of 1,000.