ABOUT MANAAKI

TE HAPORI/THE COMMUNITY

MANAAKI was created by Kat Tua (Ngāti Kahu Ki Whangaroa, Ngāti Raukawa) as a way to reconnect with her heritage. Like many Māori of her generation who grew up in Aotearoa, she was raised away from a traditional Māori setting and with that came a loss of culture and language. In launching MANAAKI, she sought to bridge the gap between traditional Māori clothing and contemporary daywear, and in turn to bridge the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous cultures.

Kat was hand-selected as part of the MR PORTER FUTURES programme from more than 1,000 applications around the world. MANAAKI can be found exclusively on MR PORTER.

TE KŌRERO/THE STORY

Kat draws inspiration from Māori art, weaving and storytelling, and uses her collections to explore social and political subcultural movements both past and present. These themes appear in her hand-drawn prints, graphics and knitwear. Combined with her love of denim, MANAAKI ranges are casual, spirited and meaningful.

TE WHENUA/THE LAND

MANAAKI, when translated into English, means to cherish and sustain for future generations. MANAAKI clothing is designed to be cherished and passed down. It is made with the earth in mind, in collaboration with ethical makers and sustainable sources from around the world. Ninety percent of the MANAAKI products are made with natural fibres that will biodegrade into the earth.

Kat Tua (pictured) Photo by Nola-Jean Pihema.