Behind the new design studio Aka Whiro is the carver and weaver duo living and working in the rural harbour side area of South Hokianga, SH12.

Introducing experienced artists, carver Kade Cowper is Ngati Kahungunu with excellency based in whakairo rakau & whare building alongside weaver Ruth Woodbury of Te Hikutu and Ngati Korokoro hapu in South Hokianga, a celebrator of Maori weaving techniques. T ogether they create unique stunningly layered sculptures with mixed mediums and methods showcasing the best of both talents.

Their artistic expression is widely appreciated and alluring to all audiences, strongly stated yet intrigues viewers to draw closer. Pushing the boundaries, challenging the limitations and raising the levels of perception their works are a celebration of connection to people and identity of place interwoven in supreme quality Māori design.

Previous large scale works include Toi Marama 2022, Whatu Marama 2024 & Mana Mokopuna 2025, a collaboration led by AKAU Foundation in Kaikohe with concept design and fabrication developed by Aka Whiro. Toi Marama was programmed for a community sculptural and light touring exhibition with focus on the modular build elements and high quality acrylic design work with LED’s. Whatu Marama was a temporary large outdoor installation at Waitangi for Waitangi 2024, framing community works on three large custom sculptural forms of keokeo with lighting effects accompanied by six interactive smaller keokeo forms.

A public installation work HINA the hinaki is hanging in the eatery open roof space of the AECOM Building was commissioned by Ngati What Whai Rawa the building owners. The suspended form is designed by Aka Whiro with ply tuna form with carved acrylic perspex design speaking to values and proverbs of the land and environment. Sound & remote activated programmable LED’s enables lighting design to compliment events, and the lashing finished in coloured silk thread enhancing the multidimensional fabrication, this project was in collaboration with artist Bernadette Papa, supported by Kaunuku.