Kākahu Manaaki – He Kaupapa nō te Aroha me te Manaakitanga
Kākahu Manaaki was born from lived experience and a deep commitment to manaakitanga.
The kaupapa behind Kākahu Manaaki grew from Hope Mobile Laundry & Showers, founded by my partner Iven and me to support rough-sleeping whānau through free mobile shower and laundry services operating from repurposed horse floats.
Through this mahi, we have witnessed the powerful impact that warmth, cleanliness, and dignity can have in a person's life. Often, these simple acts of care are the first steps toward restoring confidence, wellbeing, and mana.
I remember walking to school with my sister on a bitter winter morning. The cold was so intense that her ears were freezing, and tears rolled down her face as we made our way to school. That memory has stayed with me ever since, shaping my understanding of how deeply warmth, comfort, and protection matter.
Through our community work, I saw a further need and was inspired to create Kākahu Manaaki — warm, protective jackets designed to withstand the many moods of Tāwhirimātea. Each garment is created with care at its heart, offering warmth, comfort, and protection when it is needed most.
A defining feature of Kākahu Manaaki is the integrated 2-in-1 sleep extension, thoughtfully designed to provide an added layer of warmth and comfort when resting or sleeping. More than just a jacket, it reflects a commitment to wellbeing, dignity, and manaakitanga, ensuring every wearer feels wrapped in warmth, comfort, and care.
The name Kākahu Manaaki, gifted by my māmā of Tūhoe descent, reflects the intention behind the kaupapa — clothing that protects both body and mana. Guided by whakapapa and inspired by her tūpuna Rua Kēnana, I bring together design, function, and aroha.
Every purchase supports giving back.
At, Kākahu Manaaki each Kahumoe jacket contributes toward our Give Back Jacket Meter, helping us gift warmth, comfort, and protection to someone in need when the goal is reached.
This is warmth with purpose.
