The Atamira is a Maori device for presenting, demonstrating and displaying significant and important things. This is especially so for things worthy of respect and admiration.

The traditional Atamira concept has survived into modern times in the form of the cake singing custom performed and Northland Maori weddings. This custom illuminates the importance of presenting and maintaining cultural identity and the significance given to caring hospitably for guests and visitors.
The concept of Atamira for this kaupapa is a metaphor for stages of performances and platforms to celebrate being Maori and living in Tamaki.

The translation of Atamira in the Williams Maori dictionary is a stage or platform.
In the book called “The People and the Land - an illustrated history of New Zealand 1820-1920” by Judith Binney, Judith Bassett and Erik Olssen (Allen & Unwin NZ 1990 pg 25) the following is given as a description of a drawn image of an Atamira or food stage/platform.

...the tiers were piled with food - potatoes, dried shark, eels, pork, oxen, pumpkin, and kumara - provided by both guests and hosts. Sometimes fine mats were displayed in piles or pound notes, pinned to pieces of string. These structures were particular to the North...it was possible for a man to stand between the tiers. Flags and long calico banners were flown from the towers...the structures were never used on more than one occasion.

Further references abound relating to the erection of similar Atamira on the shores of Waitemata by Ngati Whatua especially under the leadership of Orakei leader Paora Tuhaere for the Kohimarama conference gatherings of the late nineteenth century (these references which are specific to Tamaki illuminate the importance Ngati Whatua gave to participating in national social and political affairs and to hosting people well).