The Maori rock art image used as the symbol of the 2007 conference of the New Zealand Ecological Society is from the Te Manunui site in Pareora, South Canterbury. The name 'Te Manunui' is a reference to the many 'birdman' figures depicted in the rock drawings at this site, but the shelter also contains drawings of moa, marine mammals, and abstract designs. Although no dating has been carried out on the rock art in New Zealand, depictions of extinct birds such as Pouakai (the giant Haast's eagle) and Moa suggest that the practice of rock drawing has been carried out for centuries—a cultural traditional brought to New Zealand by its first human inhabitants.

Te Manunui is one of several Maori rock art sites in South Canterbury that are accessible to the public, providing a rare opportunity to experience this most fragile aspect of Maori culture first hand. During a recent upgrade of the pathway at the site the bones of two species of moa (Pachyornis elephantopus and Euryapteryx gravis) were found in blue clay at the foot of the shelter mouth. Although it could not be determined whether the bones were deposited at the site in cultural or natural circumstances, their presence provides valuable information on the past landscape in the wider area.

The image was supplied by the Ngai Tahu Maori Rock Art Trust, with the permission of Te Runanga o Arowhenua and Te Runanga o Waihao, who share the role of Kaitiaki (or guardian) for the Te Manunui site.

The design also features on the conference t-shirt and part of the proceeds from the t-shirt sales go to the Ngai Tahu Maori Rock Art Trust.