Ngā Kākano a Māui
Cultivating sustainable thinking for Aotearoa's future entrepreneurs
Service
Brand Strategy
Deliverables
Logo Design, Visual Identity, Brand Guidelines
Industry
Education & Technology
Duration
8 – 9 Weeks
ABOUT
Planting seeds for climate innovation
Ngā Kākano a Māui is a Māori-led innovation accelerator focused on reducing carbon emissions in Te Whanganui-a-Tara. The programme bridges climate concern with action, guiding participants through a one-day sprint to generate, validate, and advance ideas. Follow-up mentoring and support ensure projects continue to grow.
The brand reflects creativity, potential, and innovation, inspired by kākano (seeds) as a symbol of growth.
SERVICE
Nurturing a brand with noble tntentions
We developed a culturally grounded brand identity and visual system. This included a kākano device combining whakairo haehae patterns, a colour palette drawn from the taiao, and a Raleway wordmark. The identity appeals to community and entrepreneurial audiences while remaining flexible across web, tablet, and mobile.
SOLUTION
Visualising a sustainable future
The visual system emphasises growth, creativity, and accessibility. Repeating kākanos form the seed device, while natural colours and clean layouts create a warm, engaging experience. Designed for digital and print, it supports participants whether at home, on the go, or in workshops.
OUTCOME
Uplifting, inspiring, and accessible
Ngā Kākano a Māui now has a cohesive, flexible identity that communicates energy, creativity, and innovation. The programme is recognisable, approachable, and inspiring, with the mantra “Poipoi te kākano kia puāwai” — “Nurture the seed and it will bloom” — capturing its mission to help ideas and participants thrive.
