Kimberley Maaka – Designer of Miro Locs
Kimberley Maaka is a Māori designer from Aotearoa New Zealand, pioneering sustainable, plant-based hair extensions made from muka harakeke fibre.
She embodies purpose and integrity, believing that creation is more than aesthetics—it’s about the impact art can have on individuals, whānau, and society.
Through Miro Locs, Kimberley blends traditional fibre knowledge with contemporary hair design, creating work that honors heritage while exploring new possibilities.
From a young age, Kimberley has been drawn to fibre, weaving, and the stories it holds. Growing up surrounded by harakeke and its traditional uses, she began experimenting with muka to see how it could transform into contemporary hair design. Her work reflects curiosity, research, and a deep desire to honour Māori heritage while innovating for the modern world.
My Story
Whānau, Heritage, and Vision
At the heart of Kimberley’s work is whānau—family, home, and heart. Guided by the mana of her people and iwi (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāi Tahu), she draws inspiration from her rich whakapapa and Papatūānuku, our Earth Mother. Every Miro Locs creation reflects this connection, celebrating the gifts of lineage, the beauty of nature, and the enduring essence of her tūpuna.
The Vision Behind
Miro Locs
Miro Locs revives harakeke knowledge, celebrates plant-based innovation, and explores sustainable hair design. Each creation blends culture, artistry, and environmental consciousness, connecting Māori wisdom with contemporary fibre work. Every fibre and form honours the gifts of lineage and nature, reflecting the artistry woven into our birthright.
Why It Matters
Harakeke is a taonga, a treasure of Aotearoa, and muka fibre is full of possibilities. By transforming it into hair extensions, Miro Locs honours its cultural significance while creating new opportunities for sustainable, plant-based beauty. Through design, education, and creativity, Kimberley Maaka is building a legacy that connects whānau, culture, and innovation.