KOAKOA DESIGN

Koakoa Design is an indigenous jewellery and accessories studio. We create meaningful adornments inspired by the stories of Aotearoa so you can celebrate who you are on your terms. Our designs have a clear link to heritage while maintaining a contemporary aesthetic.

Koakoa Design embodies cultural confidence with bold, vibrant pieces designed to centre you in your identity. So you can create moments of connection in ways that matter to you. Anchored by this land, our ātua, your tūpuna.

Koakoa Design jewellery and accessories were first offered to the public in 2020. Prior to that, founder and creative force behind the brand, Lisa (Te Rarawa, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Ruanui, Pākeha) had been creating pieces for family and friends for years.

"The inspiration behind the designs comes from both sides of my whakapapa although the influence of my Māori lineage is front and centre. I'm interested in story-telling through design and the stories I'm most interested in currently are about relationships - be it with our environment, ātua, other people or ourselves.

The designs are as much political and cultural statements. They say - this is who I am - engage with me in this knowledge - I stand in this world, unapologetically and proud."