Tupuna inspired apparel - Naia Clothing by Manaia

We sat down with Manaia to explore her exciting business journey with Whanake Ake.

Ko wai koe, nō hea koe?

E rere te awa nui mai i te kāhui maunga ki Tangaroa.

Ko au te awa, ko te awa ko au.

Ko au te kāhui maunga, ko te kāhui maunga ko au.

Ko Ngāti Uenuku te hapū.

Ko Tian rāua ko Lj aku tamariki 

Ko Manaia-Karry Rapana ahau.

I was brought up in the bush on the banks of the Whanagui river ‘Pipiriki’ they call it, the sleepy village, don’t blink or you will miss it type of town. I am a solo Māmā of two beautiful pēpī who love te ao Māori.

After losing my Pāpā a year ago in a car accident, I decided to leave my small country town for Auckland. Leaving behind my job as a kōhanga reo teacher and all that I knew, I was off to make something of myself, to find myself and to heal, for my kids, for breaking cycles, curses and generational trauma.

What is your pakihi?

Naia Clothing provides a range of clothing especially designed for kaumatua. These clothes are made to be worn as they do their mahi on the pae pae of all our marae, at dignitary addresses and community events.

What motivated you to start your own pakihi?

It all began in my childhood, life with Nan and Toto (grandfather). Attending a school of only three kids, kawakawa plasters, river rats, mudslides, kapahaka every day, we had our own whānau kapahaka bracket with waiata, haka, the whole shibang.

It was because of these two that I started my pakihi. These kākahu were something I finished just before Toto passed away, something that wasn’t thought of as a business but more a small token of appreciation.

I made Naia with my kaumātua in mind, the ones upholding tikanga and kawa on the marae no matter what. As a kid watching my kuia and koro stand on the pae doing the mahi and upholding the mana of our marae, hapū and tupuna, in minus degree weather with Ruapehu covering them in a korowai of hukapapa.

What have been your business highlights so far?

Every step has been a milestone for me. But, being accepted for the Flexi-Wage for Self-Employment, has not only enabled me to start my pakihi without financial stress and pressure, it has also shown me that I really can do whatever it is I put my mind to.

What are your future aspirations for your pakihi?

I guess the part I can’t wait for the most is hitting target my sales targets and my target market. I’m not going to bed thinking about how much money I’ve made, but rather how many kaumāatua are out there warmer, dryer and stylier than ever.

How has Tipu Ake Tonu supported your business journey?

In so many different ways. From marketing to stock lists, budget spreadsheets, professionalism, the whole ins and outs of a business plan. You helped me in such short amount of time and in a way where a small town Māori bush girl like me could understand. Above all, one thing that always ran through my mind was self-doubt but after every hui with Becs my excitement, my hinengaro, tinana and wairua were boosted.

Tipu Ake Tonu is more than just business. It’s Māori understanding Māori. It’s dreams and aspirations. It’s believing in you when no one else (even yourself) does. It’s aroha. It’s whānau.

Check out our instagram @tipuaketonu for more of Manaias story.