We’re halfway through January 2026, and if I’m being honest, it’s been really quiet. Sales are slow, momentum feels different, and the usual buzz that comes with a new year hasn’t quite landed yet. But instead of rushing to fix that or forcing activity for the sake of it, we’ve chosen to see this season for what it is: an opportunity.
This slower period has given us the space to pause, reflect, and think carefully about what we want Mātātuhi to become in 2026.
Using the Quiet for R&D
When sales slow, it naturally impacts cash flow. But cash flow doesn’t equate to profit for us. As a small business, everything we make is poured straight back into the pakihi. So this season is really about what we can realistically and responsibly reinvest.
That means being mindful, cautious, and intentional with every decision we make.
Rather than pushing out products just to fill space, something we’ve tried in the past and learnt from, we’re using this time to focus on research and development. Asking ourselves what feels aligned, what makes sense, and what we genuinely want to stand behind.
Returning to Handmade and Back to Basics
One of the biggest shifts we’re making is returning to handmade.
My mamma was a seamstress, and growing up she taught me how to sew. It’s a skill I stepped away from over time, but recently I’ve felt a strong pull back to it. Creating our hot/cold therapy packs from scratch last year reignited something in me. Cutting the fabric, sewing, filling, and finishing each piece reminded me why I love creating in the first place.
There’s something grounding about working with your hands, slowing down, and being present with the process. That feeling has inspired me to explore this space further and see where it could lead for Mātātuhi. It feels like a return to our roots, just in a different way.
Alongside this, we’re also researching sublimation and what that might look like for us. But at the heart of it, this season is about getting back to basics and creating with intention.
Eyes Forward, Always
This year, I’m continuing my commitment to keeping my eyes forward. That doesn’t mean ignoring what my fellow pakihi sisters and misters are doing. On the contrary, it means acknowledging and celebrating their success, without comparison, as everyone is on their own waka and paddling at their own pace.
That goes for those who aren’t necessarily in my corner as well. I genuinely want to see others succeed, even if our paths don’t always align.
There is room for all of us.
Which leads me to something else that’s important to me in 2026.
Supporting Other Pakihi
Supporting other Māori, small pakihi and artists/designers has always been part of our kaupapa, and this year we’re leaning into that even more. We’ve purchased designs, templates, and products from other Māori businesses and incorporated them into our offerings.
It’s not a formal collaboration, but it is still a partnership. A way of sharing space, celebrating each other’s mahi, and lifting one another up.
That sense of kinship and connection matters. I’ll always support other pakihi in this space, because when one of us moves forward, it opens doors for others too.
Where we use designs, templates, or products created by other artists, designers or pakihi, we are intentional about acknowledging and crediting them on our website. Giving proper recognition matters to us. It’s about respect, transparency, and ensuring that the mahi of others is seen and valued and you also know where it came from and that it’s legit!
Whānau First, Always
The past few months have been eye-opening and extremely challenging. Illness within our whānau shifted our priorities very quickly. Making sales, advertising, and pushing the business took a back seat while we focused on insulating ourselves, being present, and looking after our whānau.
That decision came at a cost to the business, and that’s absolutely okay. We made it consciously and with intention. Our whānau will always come first.
Now, as things begin to stabilise and we understand the lay of the land, it’s about gently turning our focus back to Mātātuhi without losing sight of what matters most. Finding that balance between caring for our people and nurturing the business we’ve built.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As we look ahead, we’re also being honest about where we’re at. Our ability to offer koha to those fundraising within our community is temporarily on hold while we focus on rebuilding momentum and financial stability within the business. This hasn’t changed our values or our intention to give back. It’s simply about ensuring we can do so sustainably and with integrity when the time is right.
Arohamai to those who have reached out. We look forward to being in a position to offer koha again by mid-year.
This slower start doesn’t feel like failure. It feels like groundwork.
We’re building thoughtfully, choosing intentionally, and creating from a place that feels honest and aligned. I truly believe that if we keep moving with integrity, support our community, and stay connected to why we started, we can make something meaningful of 2026.
Not rushed. Not forced. Just steady, grounded, and true to who we are.
Nāku iti nei, nā
Kelly
