A Māori-owned, family-run gallery on the Wellington waterfront, in a boat shed at Frank Kitts Park. Owners Bill and Anne Rawiri sell taonga, which the website describes as treasures, and they support local artists to show and sell authentic Māori arts and crafts.
Bill is a bone carver of Ngāpuhi descent, and Anne weaves and makes korowai, Māori cloaks, and descends from Ngāti Whātua and Te Rarawa. The gallery grew out of selling taonga at local markets and from a small shop at their home, which the couple ran for more than 20 years before opening the harbourside gallery. The website says customers have included a United States President and a Pope.
The gallery's pounamu, or greenstone, pieces each come with a card that explains the meaning of the shape, because the website says each shape, colour and texture of stone carries its own meaning in Māori tradition.
Visitors can browse the gallery, and the website invites people to get in touch with questions.
Our pick on the Wellington waterfront for a gift with a clear story behind it.