Te Tīmatanga
Our haerenga began with two sisters and two pēpi. Hiwa and Awariki, born just four days apart.
Growing up, we didn’t have the same connection to our culture that we longed for. As we began our own journey of reclamation, we knew we wanted something different for our pēpi.
We wanted to wrap them in Māoritanga, whakapapa and te ao Māori from the very beginning.
And so, Hiwa & Awa Co. began.
He Taonga mō ngā pēpi
We worked alongside an incredible ringatoi (Tuku Marie Rangitaawa ) to create contemporary Māori designs inspired by our own haerenga as māmā.
We wanted to create practical taonga for everyday whānau life, with designs that feel familiar, meaningful and proudly Māori.
For us, the design is more than a pattern. It carries kōrero about whakapapa, hononga, protection and the special connection between māmā and pēpi.
He uri māua nō Ngāti Rangitihi
Ko Ruawahia te maunga
Ko Te Awa o Te Atua te awa
Ko Te Arawa te waka
Ko Ngāti Rangitihi te iwi
Ko Ngāti Mahi te hapū
Ko Ngāti Rangitihi te marae
He uri māua nō Ngāpuhi
Ko Te Tarai o Rāhiri te maunga
Ko Mangakahia te awa
Ko Ngātokimatawhaorua te waka
Ko Ngāpuhi te iwi
Ko Ngāti Toki te hapū
Ko Te Tarai o Rāhiri te marae
Ngā Mihi
Thank you for being part of our haerenga. For choosing our taonga, supporting our pakihi and helping us bring our vision to life.
What began with two sisters and two pēpi has grown into something we are so proud to share with te ao katoa.
Rebekah rāua ko Jess
Hiwa & Awa Co.