Our Story

Celebrate who you are with Koakoa Design.

Koakoa Design is an indigenous jewellery and accessories studio.

Our designs have a clear link to heritage while maintaining a contemporary aesthetic.

Koakoa Design embodies cultural confidence with bold, vibrant pieces designed to centre you in your identity.

So you can create moments of connection in ways that matter to you.

Anchored by this land, our ātua, your tūpuna.

About the Designer

Koakoa Design jewellery and accessories were first offered to the public in 2020.

Prior to that, founder and creative force behind the brand, Lisa (Te Rarawa, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Ruanui, Pākeha) had been creating pieces for family and friends for years.

"The inspiration behind the designs comes from both sides of my whakapapa although the influence of my Māori lineage is front and centre.

I'm interested in the story-telling of design and the stories I'm most interested in currently are about relationships.

I'm fascinated by the process of connection - be it with our environment, ātua, other people or ourselves.

The designs are as much political and cultural statements.  They say - this is who I am - engage with me in this knowledge - I stand in this world, unapologetically and proud."