- Next Fair Dates
- Sunday, 14th - Monday, 15th June 2026
There’s an important shift happening the New Zealand retail market. A long-held gap for Māori designed and made products is now being closed by the rise of entrepreneurs introducing products created and guided by Whakapapa (Ancestry), Wairua (Spiritual Belief) and the philosophy that culture shouldn’t be something you catch up on later in life; it should be part of everyday living.
Introducing products grounded in Wairua are brands like BO&KO Aotearoa; founded by two new māmā seeking products for their pēpi (babies) that they felt culturally connected with.
“We searched for baby essentials that reflected Māori culture in a way that felt modern, soft, and meaningful but nothing truly spoke to our roots. So, we created what we couldn't find."
BO&KO Aotearoa is now a leading baby product supplier across New Zealand and can be found in over 130 stores nationwide. Whether customers are looking for blankets, swaddles or everyday items that support their pēpi, they are purchasing a product that is designed and made with storytelling and culture at its heart.
(Guiding principle or Philosophy)
What began as a venture to fill a gap in the market has now become an important personal reclamation journey for founders Dayna and Amy. By normalising Māori design, language, and identity in everyday spaces, they believe it will uplift whānau, communities and future generations.
“Retail spaces shape what is seen as “normal.” When Māori-designed and made products are visible on shelves, it validates culture, identity, and belonging, especially for tamariki (kids) growing up today.”
Not only are their products resonating with iwi, but non-Māori retailers and customers are also seeking out gifts and homeware that have cultural connection and story behind them.
“Many expressed how important it felt to actively support and uplift Māori and Pacific cultures through their retail stores. There was also strong emotional feedback; retailers recognising that our products aren’t just items, but stories, identity, and connection woven into everyday use.”
The design of their popular Koru Teether, for example, is a shape often seen in Māori art and craftmanship and symbolises new life, new beginnings and the connection between parent and child. The same cultural essence can be found in their Alofa Pepe Blanket, inspired by the Pacific Islands. It features a seagull and spearhead pattern; symbolising protection, resilience and the strength of ancestry.
“It was a huge honour and affirmation that kaupapa-driven businesses can thrive while staying true to who they are.”
The infusion of culture into BO&KO Aotearoa products is a key factor for why they have now become trusted by whānau, hauora (health/wellbeing) providers, and Iwi organisations across the motu who see the products as more than a simple object.
The impact of their endeavours has also been formally recognised with the bestowal of two Māori Businesswomen’s Awards: 2024 Te Poiketanga Award (Emerging Business Award) and 2025 Te Whakatairanga & Tauhokohoko (Marketing and Sales award). Run by the Māori Women’s Development Inc, the awards recognise and celebrate business’ encouraging the economic development of wāhine and their whānau.
For Dayna and Amy, the opportunity to exhibit at the NZ Gift & Homeware Fairs was about more than exposure, it was about presence. They wanted to show what was possible and prove the need for indigenous products within the wholesale space.
“Our objective was to create visibility for Māori-designed baby products and to ensure our people could walk into stores and feel seen, represented, and proud. We wanted culturally grounded taonga (gifts) to be readily accessible, not niche or hard to find.”
Exhibiting has allowed them to advocate for inclusion and create spaces where communities can experience their products in person. The impact of exhibiting for BO&KO Aotearoa has been significant; helping them to increase brand awareness and position themselves as a leading supplier.
“Exhibiting has connected us with a wide range of new stockists from regions all over the motu, many of whom we may not have reached otherwise. The fairs have been instrumental in expanding our wholesale network and building long-term relationships with retailers who align with our values.”
The feedback from attendees at the Gift Fairs has also been incredibly affirming for the brand, with many surprised and elated with how well their products sell in store. For retailers looking to stock more Māori designed and made products, Dayna and Amy encourage the growth of these relationships and want retailers to be genuinely supportive of Māori Businesses.
“Take the time to understand the story, the people, and the kaupapa behind the brand. Māori businesses are not just suppliers, they are partners. Be open to learning, respect tikanga, and value the cultural knowledge that comes with the product.”
Since exhibiting at the NZ Gift & Homeware Fair, BO&KO Aotearoa has begun wholesaling offshore, allowing whānau access to cultural taonga no matter where they live. The brand will also be launching its newest range of lifestyle and homeware products to the 2026 Autumn & Spring Gift Fairs, completely new to the market and ready to be stocked in retail stores around the country.
“We now offer premium ranges including 100% European flax linen cushions and duvet sets made from hemp, bamboo, and cotton. These collections have not yet been available for wholesale, and we’re excited to introduce them in 2026.”
Retailers can meet the team behind BO&KO Aotearoa this March in the Māori Collective Feature, a dedicated feature destination that celebrates talented Māori artists, makers, creatives and their work.
BO&KO Aotearoa is now a leading baby, homeware and lifestyle supplier in New Zealand and can be found in over 130 stores nationwide. Named after their sons, Beau and Koree; their products are designed with your baby’s and family’s wellbeing at heart. Their range continues to expand thoughtfully, with future products focused on bringing cultural storytelling into more areas of everyday life, from the nursery through to the home.
