About Mātātuhi

He toi whakairo, he mana tangata

Where there is artistic excellence, there is human dignity.

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Kia ora, ko Kelly ahau, the person behind Mātātuhi Designs.

I was raised in Tāmaki Makaurau with whakapapa to Ngāpuhi and Taranaki, and it’s my strong connection to Taranaki that guides much of my mahi today. I live in Queensland, Australia with my husband, son and doggo.

Mātātuhi Designs is all about creating meaningful pieces that honour te ao Māori, from everyday apparel to taonga for your whare.

We design and produce everything ourselves in our little whare, with select components sourced from trusted supply partners, like AS Colour and Amazing Transfers that we know and believe in. From pressing prints to 3D printing our product, every piece is lovingly handled right here – from our hands to yours. We also collaborate with some incredible designers who help bring our visions to life in ways that honour the culture and elevate the kaupapa so each item we have in our range carries intention, connection and a whole lot of aroha.​

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Our name Mātātuhi is the Māori word to imprint which helps with storytelling through design. The Parihaka feather in our logo represents peace, resilience, and unity. For me, it’s personal, a reminder of my tūpuna who stood firm at Parihaka with dignity and strength. That legacy inspires everything I do.

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Though now based in Queensland, I’m proud to share a little piece of home with others, whether you’re Māori reconnecting, a Kiwi missing Aotearoa, or someone wanting to walk alongside our culture with respect.

Ko Taranaki te maunga

Ko Pungaerere te awa

Ko Taranaki te iwi

Ko Ngāti Haupoto te hapū

Ko Te Potaka te mārae

Thanks for being here and your tautoko, Mātātuhi is more than a brand, it’s my way of sharing our stories with the world.

Ngā mihi nui,

Kelly x