Wai-Tai Aotearoa korero Maori mai design

Henare Brooking and Maia Gibbs of Maori Surfwear Brand Wai-Tai Aotearoa - Reflections on Early Days

Wai-Tai Aotearoa is a new and exciting Maori surfwear brand released at the end of 2024 to a greta amount of tautoko.  More than just a surfwear brand, Wai-Tai acknowledges our love of the Moana and all the joy and life it brings to its users.  Designs steeped in influences of Te Ao Maori, often with a ta moko twist.  Tied in with surfing, waka paddling, diving, fishing and more.

In this organic style clip the designers of Wai-Tai, Ta moko artists Henare Brooking and Maia Gibbs reflect on the earliest days of Wai-Tai giving their thoughts and some great insight into where we are and where we are going.

Watch the full clip below

Wai-Tai was stocked exclusively at its home base of Blitz Surf Shop in Gisborne for the launch but is now also available at our good friends the Barnfield's Saltair Surf Shop in Whakatane.  More surf shops will be stocking Wai-Tai soon as we continue to grow our Maori clothing brand organically and spread our wings around the motu.  If you think your local could do with some Wai-Tai kakahu tell them to get in touch.

Kia Niwha Te Tapuwae - make your footsteps resolute, make a mark in what you are doing.

Wai-Tai Gear

We have some exciting new kakahu arriving soon for our new season Autumn/Winter 2025 drop of Wai-Tai Aotearoa.  We started with just tees, tanks and potae but we are adding to our range as we grow.

Wai-Tai Pikau - kids swimming bags, "Korero Maori mai"

Wai-Tai Maori boardshorts coming soon.  We have two styles of 4 way stretch technical boardshorts currently in production.  One with a Taniwha theme and the other a modern take on a traditional piu-piu.

Wai-Tai Maori designed t-shirts (tihate) in mens, womens and childrens.  If you want the best Maori t-shirt, stick with us through our journey!  Current stock is amazing and new styles should be here around the start of May.  Follow Wai-Tai here on Instagram to keep in touch with what is coming out.

Wai-Tai kids Maori shark t-shirt

Wai-Tai hoodies and crews.  We have some epic new heavyweight hoodies and crews about to arrive at any moment.  There are some sick new designs and also our most popular current designs arriving in sizes small-5xl

Wai-Tai Stickers - get Wai-Tai on your waka with our stickers

Wai-Tai Muscle Tanks - We will be keeping our Wai-Tai Maori designed muscle tanks in stock year round so you can get your guns out on your tropical mid-winter escape just as you can summer in Aotearoa

Wai-Tai Kaitiaki shark Maori muscle top

Wai-Tai beanies - about to arrive at the start of May are Wai-Tai Aotearoa fishermans style embroidered beanies

Wai-Tai Hooded towels - once we have approved our final samples we will have some high quality, heavyweight, 100% cotton hooded towels coming your way

Wai-Tai caps and bucket hats (potae) - currently in stock and more to come.  Look after your head in the sun with a Wai-Tai potae


Embrace the Moana, your identity and Te Ao Maori with clothing and accessories from Wai-Tai Aotearoa.  This is more than just a brand, Wai-Tai is a kaupapa.  Follow us on Instagram for education, tips on Maori language based around the Moana and information on our latest gear.
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