Frequently asked questions
Welcome to the ManaakiWāhine FAQ page! Here you'll find answers to common questions about our healing kaupapa and handmade taonga. We're dedicated to providing clarity and support as you explore our offerings. We also want to share more about the tikanga (customs) that guide our mahi (work). At ManaakiWāhine, every taonga we create is infused with respect for our Māori traditions and a deep connection to the whenua (land). Our processes honor the balance between nature and creativity, ensuring that each piece carries not only beauty but also the wairua (spirit) of its origins. This commitment to tikanga is central to everything we do, and we’re proud to uphold these values in every facet of our kaupapa.
Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about ManaakiWāhine and our treasured taonga. If your question isn’t covered here, feel free to reach out to us—we’re happy to help!
What is ManaakiWāhine?
ManaakiWāhine is a healing kaupapa offering handmade taonga created with aroha, intention, and lived experience. Each item is designed to support wāhine on their journey of healing, empowerment, and inner strength.
What do you make?
We create:
- ManaakiPoi – made with care, symbolising resilience and aroha
- Coconut wax candles and wax melts: fragranced and unfragranced.
- Affirmation cards – part of our ManaakiSignal sets, designed to uplift and ground.
- Healing bundles – curated gifts of aroha for yourself or someone you love.
Who are your products for?
Our taonga are for anyone seeking healing, connection, and empowerment — especially wāhine who have walked through trauma and are reclaiming their strength.
What makes ManaakiWāhine different?
Every item is handmade with heart, using recycled, gifted, or natural materials. Our kaupapa is rooted in lived experience, not mass production. We honour authenticity, mana, and the healing journey.
Where do you ship?
We currently ship within Aotearoa (New Zealand). If you're overseas and interested, please contact us — we’ll do our best to make it happen.
How can I support ManaakiWāhine?
- Purchase a taonga for yourself or someone you love.
- Share our kaupapa with your whānau and friends.
- Follow us on social media and join the healing movement.
What’s the one thing I should remember?
Every item from ManaakiWāhine is made with aroha, intention, and lived experience — created to support your healing journey and remind you:
You are enough.
What does ManaakiWāhine mean?
ManaakiWāhine means “to uplift and care for wāhine.” It’s a healing kaupapa rooted in aroha, resilience, and lived experience.
Are your products handmade?
Yes — every item is lovingly handmade using recycled, gifted, or natural materials, with intention and care.
Who are your products for?
Our taonga are for anyone on a healing journey — especially wāhine who have experienced trauma and are reclaiming their strength.
Is this worth the price?
Every taonga is handmade with aroha, intention, and lived experience. You're not just buying a product — you're receiving a piece of healing, crafted to uplift and empower.
Is this a safe and trustworthy shop?
ManaakiWāhine is a heart-led kaupapa based in Christchurch, Aotearoa. We honour transparency, care, and authenticity. Every item is made with love and respect.
What kind of products do you offer?
We offer handmade taonga including:
- ManaakiPoi (Handmaade poi mementos)
- Coconut wax candles infused with botanicals/fragrance oil
- Affirmation cards
- Healing bundles with a mix of these items
- Remembrance jars
- Workshops-coming soon 2026
Can I customise my order?
Every piece we create holds intention.
If you feel called to something more personal, we welcome that conversation.
From colours that speak to you,
to words that need to be heard,
to scents, bundles, and offerings shaped with care —
we are open to creating with you.
Custom requests may weave together:
- colour, texture, and form
- affirmations and kaupapa‑led words
- scent blends and ritual intentions
- curated bundles and meaningful gifting
- one‑off pieces, small runs, or collaborative creations
- thoughtful packaging and gentle finishing touches
- te reo Māori or bilingual elements, where appropriate
If you’re unsure how to name what you’re seeking, that’s okay.
Sometimes it begins as a feeling, a season, or a reason.
Simply reach out to kōrero/talk —
and together, we’ll shape something made with meaning,
just for you.