Amy Macaskill & Nicole Hawkins

Amy Macaskill (Kāi Tahu) & Nicole Hawkins (Pāhauwera, Kahungunu ki Te Wairoa) are two best friends who decided to form the creative business ‘Taonga Puawai’, a range of laser-cut, acrylic earrings focused on the flora and fungi of Aotearoa. 

Both creatives work full-time as kaiako and are based in the wider Wellington region; their creative endeavours extend in many directions. In managing their work-life balance and the demands of their business, they prioritize upholding the quality of their products by releasing new exclusive designs once a month. 

‘Taonga Puawai’ collections have become staple statement pieces- often emphasizing form, texture, vivid pop colours in acrylic layers and finely embellished with metallic/reflective finishes.