Clothing line helps residents
A Far North lawyer has made a seamless transition into the clothing industry upon establishing her own charitable clothing line.
Pakaraka resident Season-Mary Downs recently set up Tukau Legacy Clothing, to ‘‘bring people together and empower people in places we care about’’.
All of the clothing - t-shirts, singlets, hoodies and children’s tees - are printed with slogans taken from He Whakaputanga, the Declaration of Independence, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the Treaty of Waitangi.
All proceeds go into a fund which will help children’s education, community initiatives, cultural development and families going through tough times.
The four phrases are; He whenua rangatira - Our sovereign lands; Ko matou ko nga tino rangatira - We are the sovereign chiefs; Mana i te whenua - Authority from land; and Taonga tuku iho - Divine gifts from our tupuna. Downs says she discussed the meanings with local leaders and kaumatua to get the translations right.
‘‘These people are descendants of the people who signed the documents so that’s important because it’s an authentic account. It was about bringing the past legacy into the contemporary space and using them to empower us in our day to day lives.’’
A former lawyer at McCaw Lewis Lawyers in Hamilton, Downs started her own law practice - also called Tukau - focusing on Treaty claims and indigenous issues in the Far North last December.
Tukau is a variety of kumara and represents self sustainability and wellbeing.
Downs kicked off the clothing line this year with a successful launch at Waitangi marae on Waitangi Day. To date she has sold nearly 800 pieces both locally and around the country.
Sales will have increased after taking items to this month’s Ngati Hine Festival, she says. Prices range from $28 to $55. Downs says anyone can wear the clothing as it’s all about inclusiveness.
‘‘Everyone connects with the concept because they understand the significance of land and the importance of respecting culture.’’
Visit Tukau Legacy Clothing on Facebook