The story behind the fern

For generations, the Silver Fern has carried deep meaning in New Zealand.
New Zealand’s indigenous people, Māori, used the ponga (silver fern) as a practical and powerful wayfinding guide. It was an early symbol of ingenuity and connection to the land.

Māori hunters and warriors would turn the fern fronds to reveal their silver underside. In moonlight, the leaves caught the light and helped mark a path through dense forest.

Over time, the Silver Fern became a proud national emblem - worn by sporting teams, used in military insignia, and seen across New Zealand products, services, and experiences. It also underpins the FernMark, a country-of-origin accreditation to help people worldwide recognise New Zealand origin at a glance.

c.1300s

MĀORI INGENUITY

Māori used the silver underside of the fern leaf to catch the moonlight and illuminate their way through the bush at night.

1893

SPORTING greats

Since the 1800s the Silver Fern has become a proud symbol worn by national sporting teams.

Sporting greats: A jersey worn by the ‘Originals’ New Zealand rugby team (the All Blacks) in 1905–06, showing the silver fern prominently positioned. Photo by Mike O’Neill. Te Papa. Courtesy of New Zealand Rugby.

1898

HONOUR

Worn by our military since 1898. The fern also adorns the headstones of our fallen soldiers.

Cap badge, 6th (Manawatu) Mounted Rifles, circa 1916, maker unknown. Te Papa (GH017819/7)

1956

COAT OF ARMS

New Zealand’s coat of arms shows the fern among official national emblems.

1990s

NATIONal SYMBOL

The FernMark was developed by the government to create a single visual identity for New Zealand.

2000s

MARK OF TRUST

The FernMark is used for the government backed country-of-origin accreditation programme.

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