The Story behind Kaiwhakangau

Kaiwhakangau is more than clothing.

It’s a call to pause.

To step out of the noise, off the grid, and back into the arms of the whenua.
To reconnect—with your whānau, your breath, your purpose.

We believe in the healing power of nature, and the quiet strength of people who protect it.
Every garment is an invitation: to roam, to rest, to remember who we are.

Healthy waters. Healthy land. Healthy people.
That’s the legacy we wear.

Meet the Team Behind Kaiwhakangau

Kaiwhakangau is whānau-led, heart-first, and proudly rooted in Tairāwhiti.

 

Every stitch is for the people we love, the land we walk, and the legacy we’re building.
 

At the helm are
Rob and Lisa Daunton—partners in life, legacy, and the wild.

Together, they carry the vision of Kaiwhakangau: to craft outdoor clothing that honours wāhine, uplifts whānau, and reconnects people with the whenua. From the ridgeline to the workshop, from wild kai to warm fleece, every stitch is guided by their shared commitment to service, dignity, and connection.
Lisa is the founder and creative force—leading design, storytelling, and kaupapa with grit and grace.
Rob brings practical wisdom, deep respect for the land, and a steady hand in the hunt and the heart of operations.
They walk the talk—feeding whānau, protecting legacy, and building gear that fits real life.
Kaiwhakangau isn’t just a brand. It’s a movement. And it starts with whānau.

Kaiwhakangau has also listened to the needs of our whenua and the native wildlife of Aotearoa. The directors are all involved in various projects that are investing into whenua revitalization and native wildlife conservation. By investing in Kaiwhakangau, you are investing in Aotearoa and our future generations.
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