Behind Huiarau Range – Our Story as Kaipōwhatu, Auahatana, and Tuakana/Teina in Business
"Born of Papatūānuku, shaped by Te Urewera — taonga made by Māori, for our people, to be worn now and treasured forever."
At the heart of Huiarau Range is whakapapa — to whenua, to whānau, to kaupapa Māori, and to the vision of two sisters walking side-by-side in aroha and creation.
Ko wai mātou?
Ko Tūhoe me Ngāti Ruapani ki Waikaremoana nā Iwi
Ko Tauperetāo, ko Huiarau, ko Taiarahia, ko Hāokitaha, ko Panekire nā Mauna
Ko Whakatāne, ko Ōhinemataroa, ko Maringiāwai, ko Waikaretāheke nā Awa
Ko Tataahoata, ko Te Waiiti, ko Te Kūhā Tārewa, ko Te Papakāinga, ko Ōtenuku nā Marae
Ko Ngai-te-riu, ko Ngāti Kourakino, ko Ngāti Kuri, ko Ngāti Hinekura nā Hapū
Ko Cassia Waiariki rāua ko Teigan Waiariki ōku Ingoa
We are Cassia and Teigan Waiariki — sisters, co-founders of Huiarau Range, and most importantly, Māmā first. I (Cassia) am a proud mother of four beautiful daughters, three of whom navigate life with neurodiversity. My teina Teigan is a devoted Māmā to one daughter, raising her with Aroha, Reo, and Mana.
Huiarau Range – He Pakihi Māori Iti, He Whānau Nui
What began as a creative outlet became a pinnacle of growth for us both — Huiarau Range was born not only to showcase our designs, but to reflect our identity, our whenua, and our whānau values.
As the kaipōwhatu (stoneworker) and kaitohu (founder), I (Cassia) have spent the past two years immersed in the wānanga of Pounamu and kōhatu. From large mau kakī and toki, to intricate ear stretchers and taonga mā, I draw on both traditional methods (like sandstone grinding) and modern tools to bring each taonga to life. Every piece is finished with karakia, blessed and ready to find its new forever home.
Outside of our business, I also work full-time within a kaupapa Māori space, where I create and implement strategic programmes for Rangatahi Māori. This mahi keeps me grounded and fuels the why behind Huiarau Range — uplifting our people.
Teigan is the kaiwhakahaere (administrator) and whakatairanga (marketing lead) for Huiarau Range. She works part-time answering your emails and pātai, fulfilling orders, and making sure our mahi flows smoothly. She is also currently studying Te Reo Māori, deepening her own reconnection journey with te ao Māori.
More Than Business — A Piece of Our Ngākau
For both of us, Huiarau Range is more than a business. It’s a vessel for whānau, creativity, and healing. It has given us the space to grow, reconnect, and share our artistry with the world — taonga that carry not just design, but deep layers of whakapapa and wairua.
We are proud to be Māori Wāhine creators, raising our Tamariki, leading with Kaupapa, and staying true to who we are.
Nā mihi nui for supporting our Moemoeā, our Whānau, and our Taonga.
🌿 He taonga tuku iho — from our hands to your heart. 🌿