The Ngaruawahia taniwha was designed in 1977, nine years after the formation of the club, by “Doggie” Wharakura and approved by the Maori Queen, Dame Te Atairangikaahu for use by the Ngaruawahia United Football Club. The Taniwha is deliberately incomplete, indicating a young, unfinished, emerging entity. The split tongue indicates neutrality of gender. The logo first appeared on playing shirts in 1978.