The fish hook symbolizes provision, prosperity, strength and authority and is considered a cultural treasure (taonga).

Before Pakeha settled in Aotearoa, Maori fishermen and hunters made their own fishhooks out of paua shells, wood and whale bone and were respected, honoured and held status for the craft of making these hooks and being a provider of food, care and support for his village. It was customary to offer prayers to Tangaroa, god of the sea to pay respect and in return, Tangaroa providing food for the people.

In Maori legend it was Maui who caught the North Island (the fish) of New Zealand with just a line and fish hook therefore, hei matau also relates to land and the prosperity and provisions of the land and the sea. Te Ika a Maui is a bone carving of the fish hook bearing paua eyes for the depths of the sea to seek out his greatest catch, The Fish of Maui – the North Island. Another design of Maui's fish hook can also hold a koru for peace, tranquility and life, or Te-manaia at the top of the hook, meaning life or spirit of the fish. The wearer could be a provider of peace and the spirit of the fish hook would be his guardian angel to make clear the way ahead.

The fish hook is traditionally carved from whale bone but is now commonly carved from beef bone due to scarce resources of whale bone. Maori carvers may still use whale bone but laws will only allow if the whale has been beached and stranded or the carver has pre-existing supplies of whalebone.

Fish hooks then were worn around the neck so as not to lose the precious hooks while hunting, and today is worn as a pendant around the neck, also to symbolize strength, provision and prosperity to the wearer. Giving a gift of a pendant can be acknowledging or giving these attributes to the wearer.

Te Ika a Maui fish hook could be characteristics of Maui - witty, friendly strong-willed, determined to achieve and succeed until the end of life.