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).

Leftover hāngī? Turn it into something spectacular with this creamy, hearty hāngī pie recipe. Whether you've just hosted a massive whānau gathering or been lucky enough to score a takeaway plate, this is the perfect way to give those earthy, smoky flavours new life. Chop everything up small, whip up a rich white sauce, and tuck it all into buttery puff pastry for the ultimate comfort food.

Make a big batch in your pie maker, muffin tins, or one large pie dish. Perfect for a quick lunch, a cosy dinner, or feeding unexpected manuhiri.

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.

Whānau is a beautifully crafted pukapuka designed to help families naturally weave te reo Māori into everyday life. Created by author Donovan Te Ahunui Farnham and illustrator Rehua Wilson, the book offers simple yet meaningful phrases that nurture connection, learning, and emotional expression at home. In this feature, we explore the inspirations, creative journey, and heartfelt hopes behind Whānau — from the poetic nature of the kupu to the intuitive visual storytelling that breathes life into every page. Donovan and Rehua share how their cultural backgrounds, lived experiences, and creative challenges shaped this special taonga, offering a warm invitation for whānau to reconnect with language, laughter, and love.

Enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavours of Ika Mata with our easy and tasty recipe. This delightful dish features diced fresh fish marinated in lemon juice, mixed with crunchy cucumber, colourful capsicums, spicy chilli, then combined with coconut cream. Ideal for a quick meal or a refreshing side, Ika Mata marries simplicity with taste, offering a healthy option that’s both quick to prepare and delicious. Serve it fresh for the best texture and flavour, enjoying the natural goodness of raw fish with an islander twist.

Practical advice, tips and strategies for navigating full immersion in te reo Māori. This article provides insights into managing emotional highs and lows and building confidence in speaking, tailored for beginners aiming for meaningful progress in their reo language journey.