The Story behind Kaiwhakangau
2020 was the year that our vision for Kaiwhakangau was born. We seek to offer outdoor enthusiasts, quality garments to enhance their activities and adventures. This aim is paired with our desire to see kiwis push pause on their busy device ruled lives. To head outdoors and fall in love with Aotearoa once again. We wish to see people look after themselves, their whanau, their friends and our whenua (land). To be revitalised as well as preserve our land for future generations. Healthy waters, healthy land, healthy people.
Team Kaiwhakangau
Our team comprises of 2 couples who have stepped up to the mark to make this change and to motivate others to do the same. It’s about revitalization of our values, to protect our people and our whenua so that future generations can enjoy the magnificence of Aotearoa.
Rob and Lisa Daunton
Love living in the beautiful Gisborne district (Te Tairawhiti) and have over 3 decades of marriage under their belt. In this time they have run a Forest and 4WD training business, worked in reafforestation projects in Fiji, developed poplar nurseries, worked with teenagers and run many aid projects into the pacific islands.
However, nothing gives them greater pleasure than getting out amongst all NZ has to offer. Avid hunters and gathers, whether on the land or on the water they are also passionate about conservation and restoration of our wonderful country.
An important journey both are on is having a greater understanding and knowledge of our beautiful Maori culture. Maori have an incredible affinity with the land. We do well to also look through their lenses as we journey to helping restore our flora and fauna.
With parallel interests
Team Keenan, and Team Daunton created and became Kaiwhakangau. Whether you are a hunter, gatherer, or outdoor enthusiast, the journey to enhance your experience should be a priority. Kaiwhakangau apparel has been designed by listening to the needs of these people.
Rongomaiwahine me Ngati Porou.
Comrie and Tui Keenan
Parents to 5 daughters and grounded in Te Tairawhiti on the East Coast of Aotearoa. Comrie and Tui possess a great passion for hunting, gathering, and exploring the magnificence of the ngahere (forests).
With this passion comes the desire to see future generations enjoy the same. “As hunting enthusiasts”, we are well aware of the positive benefits that our outdoor lifestyle has on our te whare tapa wha (four dimensions of health: taha hinengaro/mental and emotional wellbeing, taha whanau/social wellbeing, taha tinana/physical wellbeing and taha wairua/spiritual wellbeing). As a couple we envisage future generations enjoying the same benefits and all that Papatüänuku (mother earth) blesses us with. We firmly believe that if we take care of the whenua, the whenua will return the favour.
We are mindful that in many parts of Aotearoa, the welfare our whenua and our native wildlife has been neglected, therefore we wish to embark on a journey to revitalize the whenua so that future generations can also experience the benefits. Kaiwhakangau is our vehicle for this journey.”