Te Ata Hāpara, The Dawn of a New Day

Jul 18, 2024

This collection is an ode of encouragement in times of challenge and adversity. It is a reminder of our fortitude and conviction, to hold fast to our hopes, dreams and beliefs, ad-infinitum. The values that originate from our culture, religion, our family heritage and wider living environment, has been inscribed upon our hearts. This legacy of faith inspires confidence, and whilst we may lose sight of our goals in the darkest of night, we peer with hope and a resolute spirit to see the dawn of a new day.

Lets take a closer look at our designs.

Whakapono

This blanket design reflects the power of whakapono. It is a testament of trust, of unwavering commitment, commemorating the faithful heart and its steadfast devotion to believe in what the eyes can not yet to perceive.

whakapono ~tia

belief, ideology, doctrine, believe, trust

The firm idea that something is correct, true and real. A person's beliefs originate from their culture, from their religion, from their family and from their wider living environment.

Drawing upon the traditional craft of tāniko (finger weaving, embroidery) to decorate the central body of this design, this detailed art form sees each thread precisely woven to produce an ornate textile—bold in design and colour. This design captures the immense value of whakapono as a treasure, proudly portraying our steadfast faith, as a medal of honour, a testament of loyalty and devotion.

The side borders of this design retell the story of innumerable Māori flags of the 1800’s that echoed a prophecy of the sun, moon and star presented together upon a red dawn, as a symbol of victory. During battle, should the flag fall and Māori lose the day, the emblems adorned upon their fighting flags served as a cue for hope. The sun, moon and morning star upon a red dawn enlivened and awakened the party to fight to victory.

The equal-armed cross is an ancient symbol for the sun, the crescent moon and star reflect constancy and permanence. Our mountains, land and sea, the sun, moon and stars, ever present and enduring. As sure as the sun will rise in the east, as sure as my mountain will still stand in its light, we will embody an ever-evolving capacity for whakapono.

He kura te tae

Kura (red) is traditionally a cherished colour, divine in nature. There are narratives associated with our connection to the supernatural, with forces of creation. The word ‘kura’ also denotes a treasure, knowledge itself and the practice of learning. We’ve imbued this colour across this collection to reiterate our belief and faith as a sacred and revered practice. From a design perspective, the choice of kura-coloured thread is a nod to another permanent phenomena signalling change and hope - the red dawn of the morning.

Faith without action is fruitless and the design intent for this blanket is to reflect whakapono as a principle of action and power. Whenever we exercise our belief, our whakapono, we inspire courage and determination to take purposeful action towards creating a reality we aspire to achieve.

Te Manako Nui

Te Manako Nui (the greatest hope) reflects the influence of hope as a principle of power and action. Standing strong upon our belief that with hope, we can envision a better future. This blanket design was inspired by our children and their undying spirit of hope.

Determined for a better future!

Our tamariki (children) and mokopuna (grandchildren) walk in power, ever hopeful in their daily practice of whakapono, constantly challenging the narrative of ‘seeing it to believe it’, they embody hope.

The epicentre of this blanket design reflects the value and limitless potential of hope. Inspired by the Māori creation story of Ranginui and Papatūānuku (sky father & earth mother) bound to each other, with their children trapped and struggling to grow between their dark embrace. Hinatore (a glimmer of light) revealed the world of enlightenment that lay beyond their reach, this would lead to their decision to separate their primordial parents, bringing light and life into the world. Within this design, the hinatore is reflective of hope and woven in the style of tāniko (traditional hand embroidery), piercing through the darkness.

The body of this design is inspired mainly by the poutama pattern, but also carries influences of both waewae pākura and taki patterns. The poutama reflects the goals and dreams we aspire to achieve. With hope as a guiding light upon our path, illuminating each step as we realise its truth and stand upon it.

Hope also serves to reassure us of our direction. The taki pattern denotes the power of our voice, as our words give form to what we envision for a better future. The many threads of hope bind together, encouraging our ascent and empowering our will to persevere.

The black, white and red colours reflect the various stages of creation - Te Kore, Te Pō and Te Ao Mārama. Hope is an activator within this creation process, Te Kore represents a realm of limitless potential, Te Pō, the quiet period of formation and development, Te Ao Mārama, emerging into life and the light of day.

Te Ata Hāpara, launching 25.07.24