The pursuit of whakapapa - Chapter 1.

In December 2019, we set off on a haerenga to India to document the whakapapa of our products- from seed- to product. Meeting and understanding the process, the people and the impact of our products at every stage.

 

We believe that it is our responsibility as Kaitiaki (guardians and custodians) of Papatūānuku and out earth, to be conscious of the impacts of the decisions we make everyday, as cumulatively, they will shape the earth and the inheritance of our tamariki and mokopuna.

 

From the very outset of our business, we've been determined to be guided by our interpretation of mātauranga Māori- a Māori worldview and values at every stage of the process. From the inspiration behind our designs, the type of fibres and fabrics we work with and their environmental and social impact, the rationale for the way we price our products, and a desire to step aside from a market that encourages endless and often mindless consumption, to a slower, more thoughtful and considered way of consuming.

 

As we turn a page into a new year and a new decade, there has never been a higher level of awareness or concern about our environment, plastic, climate change and the impact of us on our world. 

 

We hope, that with this heightened awareness, the tides may begin to turn and as a culture, we'll begin to make some better decisions for our future.

 

We are a part of an industry (Fashion and textile prodution) that produces 

-10% of all the world's carbon emissions every year- that's more than the emissions of all flights and maritime shipping combined. -It is the second largest consumer of the world's water supply.

- It's also the second highest polluter of water worldwide, as many of the chemicals used for dying fabric run off untreated into waterways.

-Clothing is one of the highest contributors to microplastics in our oceans - where its estimated that washing our synthetic (aka polyester (which is present in more than 60% of the clothes manufactured worldwide))  releases 500,000 tons of microfibres into the moana each year- the equivalent of 50 billion plastic bottles.

 

We went into this with our eyes open, and a desire, and a responsibility to ensure the decisions we make not only align with our values, but are transparent. We found kaupapa who share our values, our dreams and idealism that each incremental change and conscious choice we make has the power to change the world. 

 

As this new year begins, we're embarking on a project to blog and share each stage of this journey in weekly installments, as both a resource for ourselves and also a place to wānanga, share and learn with you.

 

We're starting at te kakano- the seed, in it's whenua, and with the community who grow and sew our cotton. We hope you'll join us for the journey.

Click here to read the next Chapter in this journey