Ngaru has been named in reference to the landing in Aotearoa of our people from the North, who came in on the backs of three great waves. Ngaru Nui was the first, the 'big wave'.
Like Aroha Mutunga Kore, Ngaru is based on an original kowhaiwhai design and is part of our Manawa (heart) series.
The wavelike line you see in Ngaru is the manawa line. It represents the heartbeat, the energy of life, also like the umbilical cord connecting mother and child. Along this wave, the triangular forms (tapatoru) are to represent a strong growth of baby's tinana (body). The mangopare (hammerhead shark) here represent grace, courage and resilience. They do not tire easily and can be strong and swift, but also show patience and stillness. We think there are waves encountered in every parenting voyage where these qualities are necessary and valuable.
The most important journeys in life require vision, knowledge, and great energy. For many of us, parenting is the grandest tour of all. It takes a lot of courage and requires a lot of heart. Holding your most beloved ones close to you can make any oncoming wave appear smaller and more friendly.
Nui is woven from 100% fine cotton, on an Egyptian cotton warp, and is approx 250gsm loomstate. Similar to Mamaku and Pukepoto in weight, Nui has a smoother sleeker texture and feels thinner in hand. Softness, stretch, and lovely drape with just enough cush. Well-suited for all levels of experience for carrying littles to bigs.
Welcome to Aroha Textiles, a small Mum-run enterprise based in Auckland, New Zealand.
We are dedicated to sharing our love of baby-wearing throughout our beautiful land and far beyond. The comfort and convenience of woven wraps has become our passion - we love getting out and about in the glorious NZ outdoors, and equally we need to get things done around the house! It is our dream come true to create luscious and original textiles for you to carry and clothe your precious babies in.
Aroha wraps are conceived and created alongside family and friends, local artists and designers. Our range is inspired by the beauty of the South Pacific - from our unique wildlife and natural wonders to the rich traditions of pattern design and crafting of textiles.
We hope you enjoy wrapping your babies in Aroha, made with lots of love in New Zealand.
hello@arohatextiles.co.nz