Kia ora! We are Aroha Avenue, meaningful gift boxes celebrating Māori creativity, wisdom and wit. The founder of Aroha Avenue Gifts is an award-winning Māori business woman, Bridgette Tapsell (Te Arawa, Tainui, Mataatua), who has a passion for her culture through words, design and whakapapa (genealogy).

Bridgette’s invaluable team includes Bex Mohi (Mataatua), who has passionately worked on Aroha Avenue to bring it to life, and assisted with art direction, Kahira Shepherd (Te Arawa, Takitimu) who’s stunning graphic design features throughout the business, and Rangi Ahipene (Te Arawa, Tainui, Mataatua, Araiteuru) who is their respected kaiārahi.

At Aroha Avenue, we believe that every gift box should carry a deeper meaning, something that resonates with a recipient’s wairua (spirit). Our boxes aren’t just a collection of beautiful items, but stories, memories, smells and tastes that connect you to the Māori world.

Our beautifully designed kaupapa Māori themed boxes promote te reo Māori, Māori authors and Māori pakihi (businesses).

Every box is blessed with a traditional Māori prayer to infuse it with spiritual significance, reinforcing the connection between the gift and Māori values of protection, gratitude, and well-being.

Aroha mai, aroha atu. Love received, is love given.