Across Aotearoa and beyond, the creative industries are witnessing a powerful resurgence of Indigenous artistry. From design to storytelling, makers are weaving cultural traditions into contemporary forms, offering people a deeper way to connect with identity and place. This shift reflects not just an appetite for beauty, but a longing for meaning, authenticity, and belonging in what we choose to surround ourselves with. It is within this evolving space that Waihonga was born. Founded by Ambrosia Crum (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Whātua), Waihonga creates taonga — art prints, enamel pins, jewellery, stickers, and woven patches — designed to adorn kāinga and enrich them with expressions of te ao Māori. For Ambrosia, who began her career as an architectural designer and heritage advisor caring for Māori architectural taonga, Waihonga is both a return and a continuation: a practice rooted in creativity, whānau, and cultural identity. The name itself, meaning “nectar,” speaks to the sweetness of creation and the way it attracts connection and growth.
Rooted in Whānau, Guided by Māoritanga
At the heart of Waihonga is Ambrosia’s role as a māmā. Her most rewarding journey has been raising her little boys, Troy and Brodi, alongside her partner Blair. Together, they have recently returned home to Ōkaihau, purchasing their first property near whānau to enjoy this precious season with their pēpi. This grounding in home and whānau gives Waihonga its soul — every piece created is an offering, a way to honour whakapapa while building a solid foundation for her tamariki.
Creating Taonga for Connection and Celebration
Waihonga is more than a design practice; it is an expression of care, culture, and continuity. Each piece reflects the vision to create taonga that nourish the desire to connect, celebrate, and express one’s identity through te ao Māori. Whether it’s a woven patch, a delicate piece of jewellery, or a vibrant art print, Waihonga seeks to bring beauty and meaning into everyday life. Guided by Māoritanga and inspired by the sweetness of nectar, Ambrosia’s work is a reminder that art is not just for display — it is for living, for remembering, and for passing on.
To know more visit:
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/waihonga_nz
Website- https://waihonga.co.nz
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