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Piki Toi

Toitū He Whakaputanga T-Shirt Women's

Regular price
$50.00
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$50.00
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Color – White

"He Whakaputanga," also known as New Zealand's Declaration of Independence, initiated on October 28, 1835, stands as a pivotal document in the nation's history. Crafted during an era marked by Māori chiefs' concerns over external threats to their sovereignty and land, this declaration was a unified proclamation by the Northern Māori chiefs. Orchestrated by British Resident James Busby, it affirmed New Zealand as a sovereign state under the governance of the United Tribes of New Zealand. This action served to inform global powers, particularly the British and French, of New Zealand's status as an independent entity, not open to colonization.

Gradually, more chiefs from various regions joined in, signing the document. In 1836, the British Crown formally acknowledged this declaration. Anteceding the Treaty of Waitangi, another cornerstone document, "He Whakaputanga" remains an emblem of Māori sovereignty and a critical chapter in New Zealand's historical narrative, echoing a period when Māori chiefs exclusively wielded control over their territories.

This historical significance is captured on 100% cotton material, printed through an eco-friendly, 'zero-waste' process. The fabric is not only environmentally conscious but also resilient, ensuring longevity and ease of maintenance.

    Toitū He Whakaputanga T-Shirt Women&
    Toitū He Whakaputanga T-Shirt Women&
    Toitū He Whakaputanga T-Shirt Women&
    Toitū He Whakaputanga T-Shirt Women&
    Check out our new artist | Te Mauna Aio and his 'Kaitiaki' collection | Available Now

    About The Artist

    Background:
    Nikki-Leigh, a visionary entrepreneur and artist, is at the forefront of celebrating and promoting Māori culture and entrepreneurship. As the founder of Piki Toi, she has created a dynamic platform that showcases Māori creativity in the e-commerce space. Born and raised on the West Coast of New Zealand, Nikki-Leigh's journey is deeply rooted in her Māori heritage, drawing inspiration from her connections to Kāi Tahu, Rangitāne, Te Arawa, Ngāpuhi, and Ngāti Porou.

    Career and Contributions:
    Nikki-Leigh's journey in the e-commerce and marketing world began in 2014, marking the start of a path that would see her becoming a pivotal figure in Māori business mentorship. In 2015, she expanded her expertise by joining Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu as a business mentor, guiding many entrepreneurs towards success. Her experience in this role, coupled with her entrepreneurial spirit, led to the birth of Piki Toi, a testament to her commitment to centralizing Māori commerce and providing a supportive network for artists and businesses.

    Vision and Philosophy:
    At the heart of Nikki-Leigh's work is the desire to give back to the community and support Māori business owners in thriving within and beyond New Zealand. Her approach is holistic, blending commercial success with cultural integrity and community support. Through Piki Toi, Nikki-Leigh aims to create a hub where Māori art and entrepreneurship can flourish, providing a platform for learning, exposure, and collective growth.

    Personal Life:
    As a mother of three, Nikki-Leigh balances her professional endeavors with her role as a nurturer and mentor at home. Her personal and professional lives are interwoven with the values of her Māori heritage, driving her to make meaningful contributions to her community and the broader cultural landscape of New Zealand.

    Looking Forward:
    Nikki-Leigh continues to be a driving force in the realm of Māori e-commerce. Her dedication to empowering artists and entrepreneurs through Piki Toi is a reflection of her deep commitment to her culture and her vision for a future where Māori creativity and business acumen are celebrated and uplifted on a global stage.

    Piki Toi's Commitment To Slow Fasion

    At Piki Toi, we embrace the philosophy of "slow fashion," a conscientious approach to clothing production that prioritises sustainability and quality over mass production.

    Piki Toi values the essence of slow fashion as a commitment to reducing environmental impact and maintaining the independence of our business. This means we produce each 'Toitū Te Tiriti' shirt on a one-off basis, aligning with orders as they come in.

    By avoiding excessive inventory and minimising the need for external funding, we strive to uphold ethical and eco-friendly practices while ensuring that every piece is crafted with care and purpose.

    Clothing Delivery Timeframe

    We sincerely appreciate your support of slow fashion and your commitment to making a positive impact.

    As a result of our unique approach, the delivery timeframe for each 'Toitū Te Tiriti' shirt is approximately 1 week to 10 days.

    This slight delay is a testament to our dedication to sustainability and reducing waste. We thank you for your patience and understanding as we prioritise quality, ethical practices, and the enduring message of toitū te tiriti.

    Your contribution not only extends support to our business but also stands as a statement for a more sustainable and mindful fashion industry.