Kehu Butler in his Quiksilver maori boardshorts showing his surfboards standing in the stand

Tai Kehu - Te Kehukehu Butler Signature Quiksilver range 2024 - Blitz Surf Shop

October 24, 2024

First released in mid-September 2023 to resounding success and overwhelming public support, the Tai Kehu - Te Kehukehu Butler Signature Quiksilver range is back for 2024. And you can shop it all online here with Blitz Surf Shop.

Tai Kehu

A signature collection that is a visual testament to the dynamic and symbiotic relationship between wave rider and moana. Capturing the essence of wave riding in its most powerful form while acknowledging those who have carved out a path that we can connect to for the future. Encapsulating patterns intricately inspired by our taiao while paying homage to the rich cultural history that spans across Aotearoa. Designed & curated by Kehu Butler & Tā Moko artists Henare Brooking @mokoira & Maia Gibbs. @maiagibbsarts

Meet The Artists

Henare Brooking (Ngāti Porou, Rongowhakaata, Te Whānau-ā-Apanui, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Tūwharetoa) and Maia Gibbs (Ngāti Tāmanuhiri, Rongowhakaata, Ngāti Kahungunu) are local Turanganui-a-Kiwa based Tā moko artists doing their mahi out of Toi Ake Maori creative art studio right here in Gisborne at 133 Ormond Road, near the Ballance Street Village.

The Range

Henare and Maia with Quiksilver have expanded the range significantly this year with some amazing pieces. Last year the Tai Kehu range sold out in a flash, throughout Aotearoa and Australia, especially the Marakihau boardshorts (check out all the Kehu shorts here) which are making a return this year, including what should prove to be an extremely popular foray into youth clothing.

Here at Blitz Surf Shop we've had a lot of enquiries over the last year about the Kehu Butler clothing so we expect this new range to fly out the door too. Prior to the time of writing some of the clothing is already completely sold out at wholesale, before the launch date has even arrived. So make sure you check it all out at the time of launch.

Pu - Tawhiro

Created specifically for @kehu_butler’s second collection, Pu – Tawhiro represents a unique evolution of the original pattern Pūhoro, which is intricately linked to the ocean. This design encapsulates the powerful essence of surfing, with “Pū” symbolizing a concentration of strength and “Tāwhiro” embodying the art of carving and manoeuvring on a wave. It is a visual testament to the dynamic relationship between the surfer and the sea, capturing the essence of wave riding in its most powerful form.

Kehu Butler Quiksilver Tawhiro volley shorts

Aramoana

Aramoana - our path across the ocean. Never moving in a linear fashion. Weaving together the knowledge of our Tipuna as we move forward on our journey

Tai - Uru

Tai - Uru another pattern inspired by the Moana.

Tai – Uru is derived from the spiral pattern “Rauru,” carries a dual significance: “Tai” for tides and tidal movement, and “Uru” for entering into something. This intricate pattern reflects the visuals of a tube or barrel, symbolizing the act of entering into various situations. However, it also emphasizes the importance of having the wisdom, insight and understanding to navigate and exit those situations with clarity and purpose.

Kowhaiwhai – Mangopare

Mangopare is a Māori symbol/pattern which is often seen in traditional kowhaiwhai or heke found on the rafters in a traditional meeting house. Its distinctive form is a depiction of a hammerhead shark, that symbolizes representing strength, resilience, determination, leadership, adaptability, and the ability to navigate challenges, reflecting the values and beliefs of Māori.

Kehu and Quiksilver

Its amazing to see Quiksilver put their support (tautoko) behind an outstanding young Maori surfer. Kehu is well deserving of this support, extremely talented, down to earth, humble and pretty bloody funny too. This guy absolutely shreds. Not being a Maori surf brand it is awesome to see the Quiksilver tautoko of Maori art and culture

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