BLUNT has launched its second limited-edition collaboration with renowned Tā Moko artist and cultural advisor Graham Tipene (Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei), following the complete sell-out of their first partnership.
The new design drew inspiration from te reo Māori and has been named Kawakawa.
Kawakawa Pounamu is a treasured variety of New Zealand greenstone prized for its deep, rich green tone. Pounamu has held a revered place in te ao Māori, and the collaboration reflects the value placed on this stone and the importance of protecting and actively using Te Reo Māori.
Kawakawa Rakau, a native kawakawa plant, is used for healing and is another Taonga held in high regard, as are te reo and kawakawa pounamu.
The inspiration carried personal significance for Tipene as Kawakawa, a small Northland town, is where his father was raised among his Ngāti Hine people. A native speaker, Tipene's father lived through the 1950s and 60s, a period when Māori were actively discouraged from speaking their own language.
The collaboration acknowledged that history, honouring the resilience of those who safeguarded Te Reo Māori through difficult times.
Timed to launch ahead of Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori, the collaboration is intended to extend beyond a single week of recognition, reflecting BLUNT and Tipene's shared commitment to keeping Te Reo Māori visible, spoken, and thriving for generations to come.
The design features across two BLUNT umbrella styles:
- BLUNT x Graham Tipene — Metro: The compact, everyday umbrella that fits easily into a bag or backpack. Built with an auto-open button and BLUNT's 360° spinning technology, allowing the canopy to flex on impact in tight spaces.
- BLUNT x Graham Tipene — Classic: A full-coverage umbrella with a high-tensioned canopy built for all-day protection against wind, rain and shine.
Both styles are available from the 17th of September online.
