Our story
Where it all started
I grew up with a nan that created korowai traditionally, but as she aged and got arthritis, she was unable to continue the tradition, or teach me anymore.
After I had my first son, I found myself wanting to not be in a 9 to 5 and wanted to explore my creative side which I hadn't had a chance to at that stage. It was through that passion to do something more for my whānau that I worked with my Nan to design and create korowai in a modern way.
My why
My why in life has always been my whānau and to revitalise tīkanga Māori, starting with myself and my tamariki.
Growing up in Tāmaki-makaurau, I was whakamā about being an "Urban Māori" and felt disconnected to my whenua. I've since gone through the journey of reclaiming who I am, and what I stand for.
I built this pākihi and create these taonga for all Māori, whether you live on your whenua or in the concrete jungle, as that does not define you.
Because if you are 1% Māori, you are 100% Māori.
Our values
Tika
To us, tika means to be in your truth and have fair intentions. We always have everyone's best intention at heart when creating our taonga.
Pono
To us, pono is to be genuine, sincere, honest and truthful. We are always honest in our mahi, especially in how our contemporary kākahu are made.
Aroha
Aroha is love. Everything we do at Kia Ora Korowai is wrapped in aroha; for our tūpuna, for ourselves and for our people.
1% Māori 100% Māori
Designed by Jordan-Leigh Koni
