Blog Posts

Neurodiversity is too often framed as deficit, focused on what someone lacks rather than their strengths. But within te ao Māori, a growing movement is reclaiming takiwātanga (Autism), aroreretini (ADHD), and other neurodiverse traits as taonga, unique ways of being that carry mana and value.

We spoke with Jessica Hita (Ngāti Ueoneone, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Tara, Ngāti Kahu) from Kanorau, a kaupapa-driven pakihi dedicated to empowering whānau to confidently navigate life with takiwātanga. Jess highlights how kupu Māori like takiwātanga and aroreretini move us away from clinical “disorder” labels and toward a worldview that honours whakapapa, wairua, and whānau.

She reminds us that our tūpuna never viewed neurodiversity through a deficit lens, this perspective was introduced through outside systems. Instead, te ao Māori focuses on strengths, mana, and unique contributions.

This kōrero explores how reo, tikanga, and perspective can shape the way neurodiverse tamariki and adults see themselves. Not as broken, but as whole and extraordinary.

Every Kiwi has their signature way of making a cuppa tī and they’ll defend it like it’s the only way worth knowing. Some swear by a brew so dark it rivals te pō, others love theirs milky sweet like a warm hug, and then there are the biscuit dippers who treat tea as a condiment.

Our totally unofficial personali-tī test pairs 12 classic tea styles with light-hearted personality profiles inspired by the Kiwi way of drinking tī. From te manu (the powerhouse double-bagger) to tīremi (the multitasker whose tea goes cold), each one is served in the trusty marae cup you know and love.

So grab a mug, pop the jug on, and find out which cuppa truly represents you. All in the name of good fun (and good tī).

Fry bread (parāoa parai) is already elite on its own: crispy, fluffy, and nostalgic. But throw in toppings, and the real debate begins. Everyone’s got their favourite combo. Aunty swears by the classic butter and golden syrup, your cousin loads theirs with seafood chowder, and someone always goes full dessert mode with jam and cream.

We asked our followers to vote for their ultimate fry bread toppings, and after some tough calls (and lots of drooling), we’ve ranked the most popular 10, with a few honourable mentions thrown in. From humble beginnings to boujee Māori street food, this is your go-to guide for how Aotearoa eats their parāoa parai.

If your puku starts rumbling, we’ve also linked our no-fail fry bread recipe so you can start stacking your own top-tier creations.

In this article, we share the behind-the-scenes journey of Kāri Māori — our Māori-inspired playing cards — and how that journey eventually led us offshore. What began as a dream to produce everything locally turned into a valuable lesson in navigating quality, sustainability, and staying true to our kaupapa. After encountering repeated challenges with local manufacturing, we made the call to move production to China — a decision that, while met with hesitation, opened new doors.

What started as a reluctant shift soon became a turning point — offering new possibilities, renewed clarity, and a deeper commitment to delivering an excellent product we’re proud of. We’re excited to share this chapter of our pakihi with you, along with the lessons we’ve learned along the way.

Discover the vibrant spectrum of Māori humour in this enlightening exploration of its unique characteristics. From self-deprecating jokes to bold satirical punches, Māori humour intertwines cultural identity with cheeky wit, offering insights into a comedy style that's as thought-provoking as it is hilarious. Understand how Māori humour stands distinct from Kiwi comedy, with its fearless approach to taboo topics and its ability to turn everyday moments into memorable laughs.

Exploring the varied experiences of Māori identity, our followers have opened up about their unique journeys in response to 'What kind of Māori are you?' From reclaiming their language to reshaping stereotypes, this article sheds light on the breadth of Māori experiences. It underscores sentiments of pride, healing, and the continuous path of engaging with one's Māoritanga.

Is it appropriate for non-Māori to wear taonga? This question invites us to explore diverse viewpoints within our community. While some advocate for taonga to be exclusive to Māori, others support sharing Māori culture with those who respect its values. This discourse is not about setting hard rules but rather encouraging a thoughtful approach to cultural exchange, emphasising respect, intention, and genuine connection with Māori culture.

When a cherished pounamu breaks, it invokes a deep emotional response and initiates a cultural discussion on its fate. Views vary widely, from returning it to nature as an act of respect and release, indicating the end of its journey with the wearer, to repairing and repurposing the taonga, reflecting its ongoing value and mana. This article explores the diverse beliefs and practices surrounding broken pounamu, shedding light on how traditional Māori practices and beliefs guide the handling of broken taonga.