Well … it all began as just a dabble really – a few disjointed thoughts, some scratchy drawings on the odd scrap of paper. I seemed to be always fossicking to find that special small something for a friend that had integrity, was NZ made and gave you that warm nostalgic feeling. And every year, there was a distinct lack of Christmas decorations that meant something to us, with our love of New Zealand-made Pacific design.

I had a creative itch that needed scratching and added to that was the allure of being my own boss. I realised I didn’t want to think about all the things I wanted to do but never actually get them done, so with the help of a brilliant young illustrator and lots of people guiding and supporting my vision, my vague ideas began to turn into reality.

Beautiful hand-carved originals were eventually finalised, and the process of finding an appropriate molding technique was underway. Hugely important to us were the materials – our fledgling business had to be sustainable. The possibility of recycling something that would otherwise fill our precious landfills became something of an obsession, so after lots of experimenting we found that we could get the desired effect with the use of recycled material. Eighteen months later, in October 2007, Mamarua’s Mementos of the South Pacific were launched.

Inspired by our South Pacific environment, Mamarua’s first range includes three designs – Aroha, Koru and Tapa. The three designs are offered as recycled resin mementos and pendants and recycled rubber pendants.

Mamarua to us means two mothers, and that’s just what we are: a couple of working mums who have pooled our skills and resources to steer our creative energies in a new direction that’s ours alone. Mamarua’s kaupapa (mission) includes not only designing beautiful mementos reminiscent of our Pacific heritage, but also producing them 100% in Aotearoa, using all recycled materials with eco-friendly packaging.  

We are very proud that our mementos are made in New Zealand and employ
eco-friendly principles, proving once again that sustainability can be stunning!

Our Crew

Like any product range, our mementos have involved the expertise of many.
Mamarua is Anna Gundesen and Therese Mangos
with special acknowledgement going to:

Brett our carver, Daniel and Melanie our graphics team, and a special thanks to Tony Miller and his team.