Custom Pōtae: Tahuaroa by Lah WhataKākahu

Colour: Brown
Material: Straw, shell, whalebone & feather
Size: OSFM
Head circumference: 59cm

'The ocean is a fundamental part of who we are as Moana people. The carved whale bone hook, feather and sea shell that adorn this pōtae are all embodiments of the ocean and honour this relationship.' - LWK

Lah WhataKākahu finds ethical ways to adorn everyday wardrobe staples. This collection of six pōtae features upcycled and natural materials as a way to honour Papatūānuku.

Laura Wihapi-Kara (Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Tuwharetoa, Te Arawa, Ngāi Tūhoe) was raised in Māwhera-Greymouth and Kawerau where she now lives with her husband and three boys. 

A makeup artist in TV and film, Laura has built a career working alongside other Māori creatives. Laura is a kaiako and contemporary mahi toi with a Diploma in Indigenous Arts.