Heraldic description
The shield is azure (blue) with an argent (silver) mullet (five-pointed star). Between the stars is an open book ‘proper’ i.e. in its natural colours. The edge of the book and the binding are gold (‘Or’) and it is bound with seven gold clasps on either side which close the book securely. Its ‘chief’ (broad strip at the top of the shield) is wavy, that is the base of the chief is in a wave-like line. The chief is argent and on it are three kiwis ‘proper’ meaning they are shown in their natural colour.
Symbolism
The open book together with the motto ‘Ingenio et Labore’, freely translated as ‘by natural ability and hard work’, reflects the aim of the institution and, combined with the three stars, expresses the idea of learning pursued under the Southern Hemisphere sky. The kiwis are indicative of New Zealand, as the bird is confined to its islands, and the silver wavy chief upon which they are set directs attention to the fact that Auckland is on the coast.
The shield, minus the ribbon containing the Latin motto (called the Crest), is used in combination with wordmark and graphic elements to form the University logo. Guidelines for the logo are prescribed in the University’s Style Guide.