Nauru was first inhabited by Micronesian and Polynesian people at least 3,000 years ago.

Samoa was the first Polynesian people to be recognized as a sovereign nation in the 20th century.

Polynesian people such as the Māori also had comparable reverence for their weapons.

The Polynesian peoples include (populations of the larger groups are shown):

There is evidence of settlement by Polynesian peoples on the largest islets from before European contact.

Some Polynesian peoples considered the stars of Centaurus to be a constellation as well.

Other Polynesian peoples see them being supported by gods (as in Hawai'i).

Altair was commonly named among Polynesian peoples as well.

They are a Polynesian people who have been almost fully integrated into New Zealand's white society.

Its bold verticals are intended to symbolically convey the power and strength of the Polynesian people.