Māori Empowerment Clothing: Ngā Pūtake o Tātou – The Foundations of Us
At TŪ PAKARI, our name means “Stand Strong,” and everything we do is grounded in kaupapa Māori and collective strength. These values guide our Māori clothing brand, our designs, and our mission to uplift others through Māori culture clothing, confidence, and community. TŪ PAKARI is about standing strong — for yourself and for your people.
🌿 Mana Motuhake – Self-Determination
We celebrate every individual’s right to be seen, heard, and proud of who they are. Our products, including our bamboo boxers, are designed to empower — not just to wear, but to stand tall in.
🛡 Kaha – Strength (Inner and Outer)
Strength is more than muscle — it’s resilience in the face of bullying, the courage to speak out, and the pride to wear your identity with honour, creating a powerful statement in the realm of anti-bullying fashion.
🤝 Kotahitanga – Unity
TŪ PAKARI stands with all people. We believe in the strength of togetherness: whānau, teams, communities, and those walking their own paths.
🔥 Ngākau Aroha – Compassion
We lead with heart. From our anti-bullying kaupapa to our support for local teams, we believe in lifting others with kindness, care, and action.
🧭 Tika – Doing What’s Right
We hold ourselves accountable — to our values, our communities, and our cultural roots. Integrity is woven into every pair of bamboo underwear we make.
✊ Why Our Values Matter
Our clothing is more than fabric — it’s identity, expression, and resistance. Whether you’re in the workplace, on the field, or in your community, TŪ PAKARI is with you, standing strong.
Some of the visuals and imagery used by TŪ PAKARI are created with AI technology, inspired by Māori design and guided by kaupapa Māori values. Every image is reviewed with respect for tikanga, cultural integrity, and authenticity — ensuring our storytelling remains true to who we are.
The Kaupapa Behind the TŪ PAKARI Logos
The TŪ PAKARI logo serves as a powerful expression of Māori values, identity, and strength, making it a significant piece in the realm of Māori culture clothing. At its heart lies a stylised symbol inspired by the koru — the unfurling fern frond that embodies new life, growth, strength, and peace. The symmetry of this design reflects bala
The TŪ PAKARI logo serves as a powerful expression of Māori values, identity, and strength, making it a significant piece in the realm of Māori culture clothing. At its heart lies a stylised symbol inspired by the koru — the unfurling fern frond that embodies new life, growth, strength, and peace. The symmetry of this design reflects balance and harmony, while the upward movement signifies resilience and the ability to rise above adversity. Above the koru forms, a leaf-like element extends upward, resembling both a shield and a tīpuna (ancestor) figure, symbolizing protection, whakapapa (genealogy), and the enduring strength passed down through generations. Combined with the bold, uppercase typography of 'TŪ PAKARI' — which translates to 'Stand Strong' or 'Stand with Resilience' — the logo becomes a powerful visual statement of unity, courage, and empowerment. It embodies the kaupapa (principle) of standing proud in your identity and confronting bullying, shame, or silence with strength and mana. This is more than just a logo; it’s a reminder to all wearers of anti-bullying fashion: stand tall, be proud. Pronunciation of TŪ PAKARI: TŪ: Pronounced as 'Too' (like the word 'too' in English). PAKARI: Pronounced as 'Pah-KAH-ree', where: 'PA' sounds like 'Pah', 'KA' sounds like 'Kah', 'RI' sounds like 'ree'. So, the full pronunciation would be: 'Too Pah-KAH-ree.'
The placement of the TŪ PAKARI logo and the kōwhaiwhai-style design on our boxer shorts is deliberate and meaningful—infusing every layer of clothing with confidence, identity, and cultural strength. Why Boxer Shorts? Our boxer shorts are more than just underwear—they're a shield of self-expression and a quiet rebellion against shame, ali
The placement of the TŪ PAKARI logo and the kōwhaiwhai-style design on our boxer shorts is deliberate and meaningful—infusing every layer of clothing with confidence, identity, and cultural strength. Why Boxer Shorts? Our boxer shorts are more than just underwear—they're a shield of self-expression and a quiet rebellion against shame, aligning with the principles of anti-bullying fashion. Worn closest to the skin, where strength begins deep within, our kaupapa (principle) sits here—intimate, powerful, and affirming. Design Meaning: Red & Black Patterns: The red represents life force (mauri), courage, and Māori identity, while the black conveys the deep foundation of te ao Māori, the spiritual realm, and ancestral strength. Kōwhaiwhai Flow: The curving, organic lines represent whakapapa (genealogy), whānau (family), and the ongoing journey of each wearer, symbolising resilience in motion—strength that adapts, curves, and endures. Positioning of the Logo: The logo is strategically placed to sit with pride and purpose, empowering wearers to start each day standing tall—even before the outer layers are worn. Embodied Mana: Each time these boxers are worn, they remind the wearer: You descend from greatness. You are built from strength. You deserve to stand proud—TŪ PAKARI. These boxers are a statement of identity, a stance against bullying, and a celebration of Māori culture clothing and power in everyday life.
The TŪ PAKARI waistband design transcends being just a logo; it embodies inner strength, unity, and cultural pride intricately woven into every thread. The Design: Spiral Koru Motif: The koru, a sacred Māori symbol of new beginnings and growth, adorns both sides of the TŪ PAKARI name. These twin koru signify balance—taha tinana (physical
The TŪ PAKARI waistband design transcends being just a logo; it embodies inner strength, unity, and cultural pride intricately woven into every thread. The Design: Spiral Koru Motif: The koru, a sacred Māori symbol of new beginnings and growth, adorns both sides of the TŪ PAKARI name. These twin koru signify balance—taha tinana (physical strength) and taha wairua (spiritual strength)—coiling inward and outward like breath, grounding and empowering. Red on Black: The striking red symbolizes life force (mauri), courage, and Māori identity. Set against the black backdrop of resilience, it shines with intensity—a beacon of strength and mana motuhake (self-determination) in the darkness. Unwavering and proud, it serves as a visual declaration to rise above adversity and embody heritage with dignity, aligning with the spirit of anti-bullying fashion. Waistband Placement: Resting firmly at the midsection, the logo protects and supports the puku—our center of wellbeing and intuition. It’s where courage begins, where power resides, and where TŪ PAKARI rises from within. The Message: Each time you don a pair of TŪ PAKARI boxers, you're not merely dressing; you’re embracing a commitment to stand tall, be bold, and represent your culture with confidence. You wear legacy. You carry purpose. You embody strength—TŪ PAKARI, a proud representation of Māori culture clothing.