He kōrero | Our story

Te Miringa and Kataraina are long-time family friends having attended kura kaupapa Māori. Their school, based in Rotorua, is dedicated to the revitalisation of Te Reo Māori, and is also known for promoting Te Ao Māori to the world. The duo were fortunate to be raised in a uniquely indigenous environment. 

Punakura is the culmination of that traditional knowledge base and the dynamics of modern Māori living. Its exciting new products provide whānau with tools and ideas to help promote routine and a more productive environment for both tamariki and mātua. The products were also developed completely in Te Reo Māori with the aim of encouraging greater use of the language in the home and to support those on their Te Reo Māori journey.

The Punakura range includes Reward and Organisation Charts which allow children to take charge and learn independence while also encouraging positive behaviours. There are multiple packs depending on the size of your whānau and include special Task Cards and Koru Tracking Cards that cater to different age groups and effort level. Once your whānau has gotten into the rhythm of the chart system, you can then introduce specialty tasks which go above and beyond the daily routine. There are 18 Specialty Task Cards available. The Reward and Organisation Charts are magnetic and the whiteboard surface allows names and rewards to be written, and then erased. There are four amazing designs to choose from – Tūrehu (Fairytale), Ātea (Space), Rēhia (Arts) and Pūoro (Music). There is also a multiple chart, Takitini which caters to whānau with two or more children.   

The idea for these products came about from Te Miringa, who as a mother, wanted a system that would bring routine into the home for her young daughter. What began as a homemade model using a whiteboard and velcro strips, quickly developed into a business idea. With a background in production management through film and television, Te Miringa then enlisted the creative expertise of Kataraina who handled the graphic design components.

“As a working māmā, the Punakura products have allowed me to restore order in the home and my daughter has gained so much confidence and independence in achieving tasks,” Te Miringa said.

“This has been amazing and a huge help before and after school. It’s also really good before bedtime with things like brushing teeth.”

Punakura, which in Te Reo Māori depicts a pool of knowledge and a pool of resources, is now ready for your home and whānau to help in your Te Reo Māori journey and all whānau throughout Aotearoa.