The four Manaia (spiritual guardians) move freely between Te Ao Turoa (physical world) and Te Ao Mārama (spiritual world).
They represent the four principles in the HIBS whakatauki:
Honour, Integrity, Belief, and Service.
The hills of HIBS stand at the centre over a Kōwhaiwhai pattern representing the Hutt River.
Diversity of culture is illustrated via two Pasifika Patterns.
The three circles on either side reflect the importance of the family unit:
Iwi Hapu and Whānau