Tō mātou kōrero = Our story
At ManaakiWāhine, we stand for women – a beacon of strength, healing, and connection. Rooted in aroha and manaakitanga, we draw inspiration from our tūpuna and Papatūānuku.
We create with purpose: every product, design, and word aims to uplift, empower, and restore. ManaakiWāhine is not just a brand – it’s a movement of resilience and hope, a space where wāhine can reclaim their mana and celebrate their journey.
Through art, affirmations, and handcrafted gifts, we honour stories of survival and transformation. We believe in community, culture, and the strength of standing in your truth.
Together, we rise. Together, we heal. Together, we thrive.
Our Promise:
To create with integrity and aroha
To amplify voices that need to be heard
To nurture wairua with meaningful, sustainable products
Welcome home. You are seen. You are valued. You are powerful.
Why I Started ManaakiWāhine
ManaakiWāhine was born from my own journey through hardship, loss and healing. After walking through fire and surviving challenges that tried to silence me, I found strength in creating – in my hands, in my culture, and in the wisdom of my tūpuna.
Every piece I make carries a purpose: to uplift wāhine, to restore mana, and to remind us that even in our darkest moments, we hold the power to rise. From mini poi to candles and affirmations, ManaakiWāhine is a voice for resilience, aroha and reconnection.
This is more than a business – it’s a movement of healing and hope. For every wāhine who has felt unseen, this space is for you.
Our Values
If ManaakiWāhine was a person, they would stand for: Aroha (unconditional love), Mana (honoring dignity), Whakawhanaungatanga (building connections), Resilience, Authenticity, Healing, Kaitiakitanga (caring for the earth), and Tautoko (uplifting others). Another cornerstone of ManaakiWāhine's values would be Mātauranga (knowledge and wisdom). This represents a commitment to continual learning, sharing wisdom, and embracing both traditional and modern teachings to empower individuals and communities. By fostering a culture of knowledge, ManaakiWāhine encourages growth, understanding, and informed decision-making that strengthens the collective well-being of all.
Connecting With You
ManaakiWāhine connects with wāhine who have carried heavy things—grief, trauma, silence—and still choose to rise. She values authenticity, aroha and the quiet strength found in small, sacred moments. She is you: worthy, resilient, enough!
"I've found a space that understands my journey. It's more than a shop, it's a healing kaupapa. I'm inspired by the authenticity and aroha behind each creation."
Aroha Mai from Hayley