15 Māori-Owned Businesses to Buy From When Preparing for Baby
Support a local Māori-owned business as you shop for all the things your pēpi needs.
The list of things babies need these days seems to be ever-growing but we believe they don’t actually need that much. We’ve thoughtfully written our own pēpi checklist which you can read here and you’ll see that it’s pretty simple; less truly is more! But it’s also important to shop local and consider supporting indigenous-owned brands for your whānau.
So, here we’re sharing 15 incredible Māori-owned businesses to shop from for a pēpi, whether it’s your own baby or as a gift. From bibs and teethers, to baby wraps, muka ties, and wahakura, there’s plenty of beautiful Māori designed and created products to buy if you’re expecting or know someone who is.
Aroha Textiles Aroha Mutunga Kore ‘Pukepoto’ Woven Wrap, from $149.
Keep your pēpi nice and close with this beautiful woven baby carrier. The design is based on an original kowhaiwhai and is said to speak of the bond of love between parent and child.
Hau Botanicals Pēpi Baby Balm, $18.
Formulated with rongoā and healing plant extracts, this balm is great for nappy rash, cradle cap, skin irritations or as a barrier cream.
Mini Miro Pā Harakeke Onesie, $39.99.
We are all about zip onesies in beautiful designs. This one is inspired by the waiata ‘Hutia te rito’ and features the pā harakeke and the Tui.
Ūkaipō Rau Whenua Package, $129.95.
Return your whenua to whenua with this New Zealand-made, environmentally friendly placenta planting package. It comes with the placenta planting container, muka pito tie, seeds for planting, information brochure, dedication card, and keepsake box.
Awhi Manaaki Muslin Wrap, $38.
Wrap your pēpi with manaaki (support/care) in this 100% organic cotton wrap, design in Aotearoa. At 120cm x 120cm it’s the perfect size for swaddling, as a pram cover, burp cloth, or light blanket, or to lay down on for tummy time.
Bo & Ko Māori Inspired Playmat, $109.
Your pēpi will enjoy rolling around on this 100% cotton, quilted playmat as they grow. It’s available in three colours – sage (pictured), mustard, and pink – and is reversible so you can show off the Māori inspired design or have it plain.
Ako Wooden Milestone Pēpi Set, $65.99.
A lovely way to celebrate your little one’s most special milestones, this set of 25 te reo Māori milestone cards celebrate monthly growth as well as your baby’s firsts. It also comes with a translation card for ease of use.
Whenua Iti Long Sleeve Onesie, $34.99.
Ensure your pēpi is warm and cosy in this gorgeous long sleeve onesie from Aotearoa brand, Whenua. It comes in a range of bright colours including māwhero (pink), kakariki (green), kikorangi (blue), harakeke, arani (orange), waiporoporo (purple), and kawakawa.
Wahakura Weaver Aotearoa Square Wahakura, $250.
If you don’t know a weaver personally or can’t make it to a wānanga wahakura, you might like to buy a traditional wahakura from this company instead. Both their square and oval versions include a waterproof, New Zealand-made mattress.
Note: Some hapū people may qualify to receive their wahakura for free – phone your local DHB and ask to speak to Safe Sleep Coordinator to see if you’re eligible.
Pukapuka Puipuiaki, $59.99.
Created by a māmā with the intention of providing a te reo Māori keepsake book for whānau that hadn’t existed until now, the range includes versions for nuclear parents (māmā and pāpā), grandparents, single parents, and same sex parents. Whether you speak te reo fluently or you’re on your learning journey, these books are easy to use and are a precious way to record those all-important memories with your tamariki.
Māpihi Bandana Bib, $12.95.
Practical and gorgeous, these plastic snap bibs are ideal for a teething bub. They fit from newborn to 18+ months, are handmade by a Māori māmā, and are available in 12 colours so you’ve always got one to match your baby’s outfit.
Aho Creative Nga Hononga Wrap Kahurangi, $37.
Soft, lightweight, and made from 100% organic cotton, the Aho Creative wraps are super popular with parents for good reason. Each design is thoughtfully inspired by te ao Māori, like this one which derives from the connections and relationships that form the fabric of whakapapa.
Our Taiao Muka Pito Tie, $30.
If you’d rather embrace the benefits of muka over the traditional plastic clamp for your baby’s umbilical cord, order one of these handmade ties from Our Taiao. Muka offers natural antiseptic qualities for fast healing and it’s gentler on your baby’s skin. These are tied off with a tumbled New Zealand pounamu piece sourced from the Hokitika.
Tautitotito Taurite Māori Pukapuka, $19.
Buy your pēpi this thoughtful black and white image book to assist with their visual learning. It features imagery that’s native to Aotearoa so you can communicate and celebrate where your pēpi comes from culturally while also promoting their cognitive development.
Styler Wear Ponga Olive Bunny Teether, $12.
A gorgeous alternative to traditional teethers, this bunny ears version is gentle on baby’s gums, non-toxic, and is handmade in Aotearoa. It makes for a lovely baby shower gift too.
