Wave 18 Evaluation: A Vision of Provision. Fundholder: Made by K.

Interviewer: Negeen Sanaei - Ihi Research

Kimberley Maaka, of Māori and Pākehā descent, grew up in both the Bay of Islands and

Hawke’s Bay and is a devoted mother to three beautiful daughters. After completing her degree in

Fashion Design in 2016, she received a scholarship to pursue her Master’s degree.

During her studies, she became deeply invested in examining the true cost of fast fashion

and its environmental impact. Driven by the question of how the industry could reduce

waste and minimise environmental harm, she began exploring the use of natural

resources such as Harakeke.

Her Master’s research focused on processing harakeke muka fibre through commercial

knitting technology. In doing so, she discovered that Māori once had a thriving flax

industry, and that, over time, its significance had shifted. Despite encountering caution

from some individuals about openly discussing this area, Kimberley’s determination grew

stronger. She noted the presence of ‘gatekeepers’ in this space and recognised the need

for a more collaborative approach—one that unites the wealth of knowledge held by

weavers, who carry on the ancient traditions of nurturing and using harakeke, with her

own expertise in fashion.

“My mission is to advocate for ‘Purposeful Design’—blending traditional craftsmanship

with modern technology to promote sustainability and Mātauranga Māori. I strive to

empower individuals by providing knowledge and resources tailored to their unique

creative goals.

I am committed to integrity and excellence. Specialising in a range of creative services, I

offer personalised solutions that focus on attention to detail and expertise. Together, I

believe we can shape a world where creativity thrives, and individuals make a meaningful impact.”

Currently, Kimberley is working on innovative ways to make a difference, including

designing hair adornments from harakeke through her kaupapa, Made by K. She believes

Aotearoa New Zealand is uniquely positioned to forge fresh pathways in sustainable

design by honouring traditional wisdom and weaving it into modern practice. In doing so,

her goal is to create a truly collaborative system that respects the self-sustaining nature of

harakeke and celebrates the centuries of Māori knowledge that guide its cultivation and use.

Reach

Since receiving the funding, Kimberley has been able to share her knowledge and skills

in working with harakeke across a wider range of communities. One of her recent

projects involved supporting a local school in Musselburgh, Ōtepoti, which was looking

for weavers to help create kapa haka uniforms. Although Kimberley doesn’t consider

herself a traditional weaver, the school approached her to design a unique uniform

using materials she had purchased through the Wave fund. She repurposed leftover

fibres from her other mahi, aligning with the sustainability focus of her kaupapa and

ensuring nothing went to waste. Since then, the school has reached out to her multiple

times, expressing how much they’ve come to love harakeke.

Kimberley has also run small workshops with her extended whānau, creating space for

shared learning and collaboration on her hair adornments. Her next workshop is

focused on mothers and daughters, particularly single mums or those supported by

friends working in addiction services. For Kimberley, this is a powerful way to foster

connection and healing among wāhine and their tamariki, reflecting the sense of

wellbeing she has personally experienced through working with harakeke, a process

that deeply resonates with her own lived experience.

The connections she has made since receiving the Wave 18 funding has also led to an

exciting new opportunity, through Inspiring Design Studios, teaching harakeke and an art programme for the school year

at Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ōtepoti. This funding has opened doors for Kimberley, allowing her

to grow both creatively and professionally.

Impact

The support received through the funding enabled Kimberley to rebrand herself

from Made by K to Kimberley Maaka, a transformation that allowed her to step out

from the background with confidence. It strengthened her belief in herself, her

identity, and her creative expression, giving her the push she needed to embrace

who she is and share that openly with the world.

Kimberley describes her kaupapa as deeply empowering, not only for herself, as a

wahine Māori, a mother, and a business owner, but also for the weavers around

her. In showing leadership and living by example for her tamariki, she reinforces

the value of creativity and self-worth. By recognising and respecting the time,

knowledge, and skills of weavers, she advocates for fair compensation, even when

some may view her prices as high.

The journey of launching her business hasn’t always been comfortable, it has

challenged her ego, pushed her into unfamiliar spaces, and prompted her to shift

perspectives. Yet, it has also sparked immense personal growth. For Kimberley,

this mahi is a healing process. It is rewarding on many levels and firmly rooted in

cultural significance.

Ultimately, she aspires to continue creating spaces that inspire others to trust their

vision and explore the creative potential of harakeke. To Kimberley, this work goes

far beyond arts and crafts, it is a living tradition, a reflection of culture, and

something far deeper.

Pou:

Rima

Whitu

Kimberly’s kaupapa involves creating a business that supports her and her whānau

financially, and inspires others to see the potential in harakeke for crafting valuable items.

Her passion lies in helping whānau realise the worth of their skills and ensuring they

receive proper recognition and payment for their time and knowledge. By leading through

example, Kimberly shows that success in this realm is indeed possible, you simply need

to believe in yourself.

Made by K is driven by a genuine passion for protecting the environment, ensuring that

her practices avoid causing further harm and promote regenerative growth. By

championing the cultivation of harakeke in its many forms, she encourages whānau to

embrace the spirit of kaitiakitanga, caring for the land the way their tīpuna once did. While

the landscape has evolved over time, she firmly believes the core values of our ancestors

can be woven into modern life, supporting a sustainable future for Aotearoa.

Instagram: @kimberley_maaka

TikTok: @kimberley_maaka