Koakoa Design - Whakahonore Earrings

Whakahōnore - the act of honouring, cknowledging those who have lived with honour, who have served their whānau, community. Recognising those who live by their values and with aroha.

Keep them with us to guide and inspire us.

This design recalls medals - reimagined to acknowledge those who are often unsung, unseen but who make a difference in our world.

The bone piece represents ancestral ties and the feather, our links to Papatūānuku, the natural world.

DIMENSIONS: 38 mm x 150 mm*

MATERIALS: Grosgrain, bone, locally gathered feathers, stainless steel French earring hooks, platinum or silver plated ribbon clamps (brass base), stainless steel jumprings, silver plated brass nickel free foldover end, stainless steel chain.

* Measurements are approximate. The items are handmade so there will be slight variance between each item. Many of the pieces use natural components so some variance can also be attributed to this.

Koakoa Design is an indigenous jewellery and accessories studio, who create meaningful adornments inspired by the stories of Aotearoa so you can "celebrate who you are on your terms". Their 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 aatua, your tuupuna.
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”.   

These earrings are made by an indigenous Maaori creative