Description
Kakahu Taonga Aotearoa
Celebrating Māori artistry and cultural heritage through authentic handcrafted taonga, wearable art, and traditional crafts in Whanganui.
A Celebration of Māori Art and Culture
Kakahu Taonga Aotearoa is a unique retail space in Whanganui's Trafalgar Square Shopping Centre dedicated to showcasing the depth and beauty of Māori art and craftsmanship. More than just a shop, it's a cultural experience — a place where visitors can connect with the living traditions of Aotearoa through carefully curated taonga (treasured possessions) created by skilled Māori artists and craftspeople.
For locals and tourists alike, Kakahu Taonga offers a genuine window into Māori creative expression, making it one of Whanganui's most distinctive shopping destinations.
What You'll Find
Handcrafted Taonga
The store carries an impressive range of handmade pieces including bone and pounamu (greenstone) carvings, each with its own story and cultural significance. These taonga make deeply meaningful gifts — whether for a visitor taking home a piece of New Zealand, or for a special occasion that calls for something truly unique.
Wearable Art and Clothing
Kakahu Taonga stocks a selection of Māori-designed clothing and wearable art that blends traditional motifs with contemporary fashion. From printed garments featuring tā moko-inspired designs to accessories that honour tikanga Māori, there's something for those who want to wear their appreciation of Māori culture with pride.
Art and Homewares
Paintings, prints, and decorative pieces by Māori artists are available for those looking to bring authentic Aotearoa art into their homes. The collection reflects both traditional and contemporary Māori artistic styles.
Why It Matters
Kakahu Taonga Aotearoa plays an important role in supporting Māori artists and keeping traditional crafts alive. Every purchase directly supports the makers behind the work, ensuring that these skills and traditions continue to thrive. In a city with as rich a Māori heritage as Whanganui — home to the Whanganui River and its deep significance to local iwi — a space like this feels both fitting and essential.
Get in Touch
- Address: Trafalgar Square Shopping Centre, 100 Taupo Quay, Whanganui 4500
- Phone: 06 348 4994
