The badge of the Royal New Zealand Navy Operational Diving Team features a Māori symbol, a tekoteko. Usually encountered as a carved figure at the peak of a meeting house, a tekoteko represents strength, inspiration, spirit, knowledge, and protection from obstacles. In this context, the tekoteko has the identity of a diving sea warrior, symbolised by the sea mine above his head. The markings on his body can be seen as scars suffered in the course of intense training, which requires courage and endurance.
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