The manaia is a mythological creature, greatly respected in Māori culture and believed to be a messenger that moves freely between the spirit realm and the human world. It is thought that they are magical creatures and spiritual kaitiaki (guardians) of things worth protecting. Today, pounamu manaia are gifted between loved ones for protection and worn to ward off evil.

Manaia is also the Māori word for seahorse, and this design by Akapita Scally draws on inspiration from the manaia and seahorse motifs.