Whakaawa Te Kani
Whakaawa Te Kani is the co-founder of Noa Blanket Co, along with her husband Josh. Born and raised in Tauranga Moana, they spent their upbringings immersed in Maori culture and developed a passion for Māori language, art and customs. We chat to Whakaawa about the project, her favourite Everyday Needs items, and how they acknowledge Matariki each year.
At Noa Blanket Co. we weave luxury New Zealand Wool blankets that share our unique stories. Intentionally drawing on Māori design, made here in Aotearoa and released in a limited series format, Noa blankets embellish the opportunity to create deeper meaning to the ceremony of gift giving. These treasured designs become a keepsake, an art form reflecting our national identity within our homes.
Each Matariki our whānau (family) climb to the summit of our maunga Mauao to observe Matariki rising with the sun. From the summit, we look up and think of our dearly departed as they take their final journey to become stars in the heavens. We look upon the land as the sun lights up the environment, we welcome the dawn of the new year and set our intentions and focus for the future.
1. Japanese Vanity Box
This beautifully crafted box is the perfect place to store taonga, your special pieces. I love the texture and colour of the wood, a wonderful way to bring a little bit of our natural environment into our home, a perfect addition to any vanity.
2. Woollen Slippers // Pompom Closed Back
As the season changes and cooler months set in, I love a good pair of woollen slippers, wool is such a beautiful and renewable fibre with an inherent sense of luxury.
3. Belgian Linen Stripe Rug
A rug can completely transform a space and the subtle colors in this rug are perfect for any situation. and I'm a sucker for natural fibers.
4. Sal's Suds
I have used Dr. Bronner's products for years, I love how you only need the tiniest amount to do a lot! Smells good too!
5. Cast Iron Skillet
We love kai in our whānau and can't go past cooking with cast iron! so multi-functional either over open flame or baking in the oven!
