2025 was another big year for us at Waiapu Road - a year of change, expansion, and learning to trust the evolution of our brand.
In 2025, we gave ourselves permission to expand creatively, to explore what our clothing could look like. We tested new ideas with pleats, prints, and metallics, and allowed ourselves to step into bolder silhouettes and textures. That creative freedom led to one of the most defining releases in Waiapu Road’s journey so far: the Haeata Dress.
Created in collaboration with the incredibly talented graphic designer Chloe Rewiti, the Haeata design was born from a deeply personal place. Inspired by spring and my own journey through grief after losing my pāpā, the design reflects the beauty that can exist after loss. A bountiful, abstract piece symbolising a journey that isn’t linear. It curves, it rises, it pauses, but when you step back, it is still whole. Still beautiful.
Haeata means dawn or first light, and that is exactly what the design represents: finding light again.
We released Haeata in three colourways throughout the year; Māwhero, Mahuika, and finally Kōhura, the rich green that quickly captured hearts. Alongside the dress, we introduced a mesh top, a mesh dress, and a slip version. Every iteration was met with so much aroha, and the Haeata range has since become our best-selling and most recognisable collection to date.
Taking Waiapu Road to China
One of the most transformative moments of 2025 was my solo trip to China. I spent two weeks travelling through the province on my own; meeting suppliers, navigating unfamiliar places, and reconnecting with myself along the way. It was equal parts business and soul journey.
Meeting suppliers face-to-face is important to me. It nurtures relationships, strengthens trust, and keeps our production grounded in connection rather than transaction. During this trip, I met three new suppliers and reconnected with two existing ones, including our longest-standing supplier. I returned home inspired, energised, and dreaming of what’s to come.
A Year of Team Changes and Big Milestones
This year also brought meaningful changes behind the scenes. We welcomed a content creator and an in-house graphic designer, reshaping how we create and communicate as a brand.
Like any growing business, there were busy months and quieter ones, both equally real and equally important.
And through it all, we packed and sent thousands upon thousands of orders. Every single one a reminder that what we’re building matters.
Indigenous Business Forum, Naarm (Melbourne)
In 2025, I was honoured to be invited to Melbourne to attend the Indigenous Business Forum alongside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Sharing space with talented powerhouses Huriana from Hunaarn and Nichola from Nichola + Kaistorst was incredibly grounding.
It reminded me that Waiapu Road exists within something much bigger than fashion, it exists within culture, conversation, and community.
Welcoming Little Haumi
2025 also marked the birth of a sister brand: Little Haumi.
As a māmā of four sons, I constantly struggled to find clothing designed specifically for boys. Pieces that felt intentional, comfortable, and thoughtfully made. Little Haumi was created to fill that gap.
A brand made for boys, inspired by motherhood, movement, and everyday wear. Launching it alongside Waiapu Road was both challenging and rewarding, and I’m excited to see where it grows.
The brand identity and concepts were brought together with the help of Talisha Bowmar and Mita Creative.
Looking Ahead
2025 was full - emotionally, creatively, and professionally. It asked a lot of me, but it also gave so much in return.
We are now stocking our kākahu alongside 40 other brands in Kiri Nathan’s Kāhui Collective space in Tāmaki.
As we step into 2026, the vision is clear: to continue refining our signature looks, deepening our relationships, and creating pieces that carry meaning.
Thank you for being part of this journey.
We’re just getting started.