About Us

Nau mai ki Aroha Avenue.  Welcome to the world of Aroha Avenue Gifts.

The founder of Aroha Avenue Gifts is an award-winning Māori business woman, Bridgette Tapsell (Te Arawa, Tainui, Mataatua), who has a passion for her culture through words, design and whakapapa (genealogy).

Bridgette’s invaluable team includes Bex Mohi (Mataatua), who has passionately worked on Aroha Avenue to bring it to life, and assisted with art direction, Kahira Shepherd (Te Arawa, Takitimu) who’s stunning graphic design features throughout the business, and Rangi Ahipene (Te Arawa, Tainui, Mataatua, Araiteuru) who is their respected kaiārahi.

At Aroha Avenue, we believe that every gift box should carry a deeper meaning, something that resonates with a recipient’s wairua (spirit).  Our boxes aren’t just a collection of beautiful items, but stories, memories, smells and tastes that connect you to the Māori world.

Our beautifully designed kaupapa Māori themed boxes promote te reo Māori, Māori authors and Māori pakihi (businesses).

Every box is blessed with a traditional Māori prayer to infuse it with spiritual significance, reinforcing the connection between the gift and Māori values of protection, gratitude, and well-being.

Aroha mai, aroha atu.  Love received, is love given.

Our Values

Authenticity

We are a kaupapa Māori business.  All of us have close ties to our marae (our traditional Māori gathering place) and are mokopuna-focussed (future human focussed) and are passionate about reclaiming and promoting our reo Māori (Māori language).

Sustainability

Our gift boxes are designed to use products that minimize environmental impact, you can upcycle the box cover, kawakawa jar and candle, recycle the box, and hold on to the book for a lifetime, or pass it to another generation. 

Manaaki and Tautoko

(care and support)

Our boxes promote and uplift other Māori artisans and pakihi (businesses), showcasing and educating the world on the beauty of our culture, and taio (environment) through our design and collective creativity.

We believe that every gift box should carry a deeper meaning, something that resonates with a recipient’s wairua (spirit).  Our boxes aren’t just a collection of beautiful items, but stories, memories, smells and tastes that connect you to our Māori world and environment.

Our beautifully designed kaupapa Māori themed boxes promote te reo Māori, Māori and authors from Aotearoa and Māori pakihi (businesses).

Every box is blessed with a traditional Māori prayer to infuse it with spiritual significance, reinforcing the connection between the gift and Māori values of protection, gratitude, and well-being.

Aroha mai, aroha atu.  Love received, love given.

Our Mission

Give a gift with significance.

 FAQs

  • The design of these boxes was a team effort, with art direction from Bridgette Tapsell and Bex Mohi, graphic design by Kahira Shepherd, and Rangi Ahipene was our kaiārahi for this project.

  • Our gift boxes and the contents all ship from here in Aotearoa. We work with local businesses and suppliers to source the contents of our boxes in an ethical and sustainable way.

  • Yes we can, we can get cups designed specifically for your kaupapa/agenda, and source books for your event. We would need at least two month’s notice.

  • Everybody!  They are designed for specific occasions, to move, touch, inspire and acknowledge the recipient.

  • Yes!  We will also increase our product range as we grow.

  • Kōrero mai on kiaora@arohaavenue.co.nz!