Nine pieces.
Nine stars.
One beginning.
Hand-built uku, shaped by patience and given strength by fire — a first collection arriving alongside the stars that mark the Māori new year.
Fire & Clay
Our symbol's story of warmth and transformation, made physical in nine hand-built pieces.
Nine Stars
Each piece named and glazed for a star of the Matariki cluster, released one per day.
Herenga Waka
Launched into 2026's theme of inclusion and connection — an invitation, not just an announcement.
Every mark carries a meaning.
The symbol embodies warmth, energy, and rebirth — the spark of life and the constant process of regeneration.
Fire is a powerful symbol of transformation, it changes everything it touches.
The Spiral
The spiral etching is an ancient and universal symbol that represents growth, the cycles of life, and the journey of the soul. In Māori culture, it is known as the takarangi, symbolising the creation of the universe, balance, and the interconnectedness of all things. It also represents the revolving heavens, while the spaces within the spiral allow for the interaction of light, knowledge, and wisdom.
The Triangle
The triangle forms symbolise the continuous cycle of life, death, and rebirth. They also reflect the harmony and connection between the mind, body, and spirit, reminding us that true wellbeing comes from balance across all aspects of our being.
The Dots
The dots represent spiritual sparks — points of light, inspiration and “divine energy.” They signify the presence of spirit, guidance, and the unseen forces that illuminate our path through life.
Together, these elements create a symbol of transformation, connection, and the enduring cycle of creation and renewal.
Uku Auaha | Hand built forms
Fire and clay share a relationship of transformation. Clay begins as soft earth, shaped by human hands, but it remains malleable and temporary until it meets fire. Through heat, clay hardens and gains strength, becoming pottery, brick, or sculpture. What was once easily adaptable is given durability and purpose.
Fire, often seen as a force of destruction, becomes a force of creation when joined with clay. The connection between fire and clay suggests that growth often comes through pressure and difficulty. Just as clay must endure fire to become strong, people are often shaped by the challenges they face.
In art, architecture, and human history, the partnership of fire and clay has helped create some of civilization's most enduring objects. Their relationship is a reminder that transformation is often born from the meeting of patience and intensity, earth and flame, creation and change.
“Ahurei te tangata, ahurei te mea” — every person unique, every piece unique.
This year's kaupapa is about gathering everyone in — so we're choosing it as the moment to introduce ourselves.
The 2026 theme draws on the proverb Tāmaki herenga waka — Tāmaki as a gathering place for all people — and connects Matariki to Te Waka o Rangi, the canoe of Rangi. It's a theme built on inclusion, connection, and reflection.
Nine pieces, one for each star
Each piece is glazed in a representative colour of its star and released one day at a time, from 10–19 July.
Matariki
Reflection, wellbeing and new beginnings. White.
Pōhutukawa
Remembering loved ones who have passed. Red.
Waitī
Fresh water and the food it sustains. Light blue.
Waitā
Oceans and marine life. Dark blue.
Waipuna-ā-rangi
Celestial waters, rain and the winter sky. Purple.
Tupuānuku
Food cultivated from the ground. Brown.
Tupuārangi
Food gathered from trees and forest. Green.
Ururangi
The winds and the atmosphere. Grey.
Hiwa-i-te-rangi
The star of hope, reaching for dreams. Yellow.
Ten days, one story
Choose your colour, choose your clay
Beyond the launch collection, every form can be made to order. Choose a glaze from the colour palette of the nine Matariki stars, and a clay body to bring it to life.
Photos show real fired pieces from the collection.
Raku Black
Deep, matte, and grounding.
Raku White
Clean and light, lets glaze colour sing.
Raku Brown
Earthy, warm, unmistakably handmade.
Porcelain
Fine, pale, and delicately translucent.
Be there for the first stone.
Follow along on Instagram for the full nine-day story, or reach out directly.
We’d love to hear from you
Questions about the collection, custom orders, or stockist enquiries — reach out any time.
Send a message
hello@ukuauaha.co.nz
Location
Tāmaki Makaurau, Aotearoa
Follow along
@uku.auaha on Instagram — daily posts through the nine-day launch.