About Us

Our Story and Values

Welcome to Ekai~Ware, where every piece of dinnerware tells a story of cultural elegance and modern living. Our journey begins with a deep love for New Zealand, our people, and the vibrant tapestry of Maori culture.

Meet our founders

Tanya and Francis were inspired by the diverse and meaningful arts of Maori culture. The intricate designs on our dinnerware reflect the essence of New Zealand, capturing the spirit of the land, the dance of the oceans, and the warmth of the sun.

We believe in offering you more than just dinnerware; we provide a gateway to cultural appreciation and family connection. Your table becomes a stage for the celebration of shared moments, laughter, and the creation of lasting memories.

At the heart of our brand is a commitment to bringing Maori heritage to your table in a way that seamlessly blends with modern elegance. Each plate and bowl is not just a vessel for your meals; it’s a canvas rich in cultural storytelling, where tradition meets innovation.

Join Our Cultural Journey

We invite you to join us on this cultural journey, where every meal becomes a celebration, every plate tells a story, and every table is a symbol of connection. Ekai~Ware is more than a brand; it’s a celebration of heritage, family, and the joy found in everyday moments.

Our Tohenga Company Values

Integrity

Integrity is all about being truthful and honest in all areas of life, both personal and professional. Acting with integrity is not just situational; integrity is the basis of strong leadership, and consistently demonstrating this trait is essential to gaining and maintaining the trust of both consumers and everyone you work with. For Francis and Tanya, integrity means doing the right thing, even when no one is watching, and they actively live by that motto.

Active Listening

Tanya and Francis are firm believers in never thinking you are the smartest person in the room. They believe that through active listening, being fully present in conversations, and being honest with your words, you not only build trust but also discover and learn new things. At the end of the day, we are all different, with unique experiences that have shaped us, and they believe we can learn something from every person we encounter.

Fun

It is proven that people who use humour at work are more productive, have lower stress levels, and are happier overall. Living up to our company’s vision requires a lot of dedication and focus, so we believe it is important to have fun along the way, and to not take ourselves too seriously.

Improvement and Accountability

Personal and professional development is never finished. No matter what age you are, we should all be trying to constantly improve ourselves, and this mantra will be applied to growing the company.