Nzherald

Hawaiian-born Christine Makaweo opened Kaleo on Kerikeri Rd last month, working with local artists to create original print designs that celebrate New Zealand ...

“I wanted to bring some of the colourful and relaxed styles that I loved there to Aotearoa, but with New Zealand designs and styles tailored for our way of living here. Now living in Kerikeri, she is working with seven artists from Northland, Auckland, Hamilton and Wellington, to come up with designs for Kaleo, a Hawaiian word that means “to express”. She was a regular visitor to the Bay of Islands to see her parents, and has also lived in the Solomon Islands. The products celebrate New Zealand’s flora and fauna, rich blend of cultures and Kiwi expressions including slogans such as “Kina Cool” and “Be Fruitful Kerikeri” and “Another Day in Paradise Bay of Islands”. Hawaiian-born Christine Makaweo opened Kaleo on Kerikeri Rd last month, working with local artists to create original print designs that celebrate New Zealand and, in particular, the Bay of Islands. A new clothing and gift shop in Kerikeri is working with New Zealand designers to provide garments that showcase Northland’s unique culture.