Personal musings from our Creative Director: a season of introspection

Our natural world shifts and changes from one season to another, and over the past month, we’ve found ourselves in one of those quieter seasons of reflection, grounding and recalibration. After the launch of Te Whare o Rongo and one of the most humbling moments in our journey so far, we felt a shift. Subtle at first, then insistent enough for us to pause and take notice, and better fortify our own whare o Rongo.

Our recent Limited Edition Collection echoed themes of restoration, recovery, calm and harmony. As values, and as deliberate practice. Rongo, the advocator, the reconciler, the peacemaker, reminds us to move with intention, to honour balance in our relationships with each other and with the natural world. As creators, founders, parents and members of our communities, the virtues of Rongo were imperative in guiding us through uncertainty to a place where we could regather, restore our energy to continue along our path with integrity.

It’s one thing to speak of rest, but another thing entirely to put into practise it. Against all strategic ‘savvy’, you may have noticed we stepped back from sharing and posting content. As Noa has grown, so too have we, in our capability, in our discernment and in learning when to act, when to retreat, when to pivot and when to remain steadfast.

Te Pūtake o Te Riri - Honouring Our Histories

The first movement in our emergence from te whare o Rongo was Te Pūtake o Te Riri, the day of remembrance for the New Zealand Land Wars. A moment to acknowledge the deep and lasting impact of these conflicts on Māori, our whenua and our shared histories.

Te Pūtake o Te Riri aligns with Tūmatauenga, the atua of action, vitality and productivity - Rongo’s counterpart in restoring balance. Where Rongo offers peace and regeneration, Tū calls us into motion. Although not planned by us, this kaupapa (event) symbolised our own shift between Rongo and Tū, from introspection towards outward expression.

Te Mana Kuratahi - Welcoming the Nation

Our next step was hosting the nation at Te Mana Kuratahi, the National Primary Schools Kapa Haka competition in Tauranga Moana. Sixty-two kura arrived on our shores, sharing their stories through waiata, haka, chant and dress - beautiful expressions from Te Whare Tapere and Te Whare Pora, traditional houses of entertainment and weaving.

Their pride in cultural expression was a timely reminder of why we do what we do, the way we do it. To honour story, facilitate connection and celebrate the richness of Māori creativity in all its forms.

Best Awards - a recognition of kaupapa

We were honoured to receive four Golds, Silver and a coveted Purple Pin at the NZ Best Design Awards for our collaborative No Blanket Value campaign with Social Value Aotearoa and Motion Sickness Studio. While we never create with accolades in mind, this recognition by our design community acknowledged the depth, intention and purpose within our mahi. A celebration shared with everyone who has supported and woven into our Noa story.

Partnering with RealNZ and Altitude NZ Another step further from Te Whare o Rongo was a step beyond our comfort zones, into collaboration. We are proud to share our new partnership with RealNZ and Altitude NZ. Grounded in place, storytelling and the beauty of Aotearoa, together we are working to create experiences that feel anchoring and expansive, weaving Noa into environments that evoke reflection, stillness and connection to whenua. An extension of our purpose, values and who we are.

Looking ahead to a new collection

Two new designs have formed as part of our Limitless Range to commemorate this emergence from Te Whare o Rongo. Each embedded with story, woven with care and created to honour the moments that shape us. We look forward to sharing more soon, as the final threads come together.

Through every season; rest, remembrance, gathering, recognition, expansion... our foundation remains the same.

Connection.
Story.
Whakapapa.
Care.

Thank you for walking alongside us.
New stories are unfolding and we look forward to sharing what comes next.

Josh and Whakaawa