Media / PR

Tasmyn Roach | Kua kōwhiria te uri o Ngāti Huiao, a Tasmyn Roach kia haere ki te koroneihana o Kīngi Tiare - he hui e pōī ai te rua mano tāngata ki runga o Westminster Abbey. Tasmyn Roach of Ngāti Huiao is one of thirteen rangatahi from around the world who has been selected by the Prince’s Trust to attend King Charles’ Coronation at West Minster Abbey on May 6. She says while the news came as a shock, she's proud to be representing Māori on an international scale. We spoke to Tasmyn and her whānau ahead of the big day.

Tasmyn Roach, from Ōtorohanga New Zealand, is the founder of Awhi Company. With both Māori and Pākehā heritage, Tasmyn’s business is about wrapping babies in their culture from birth. Awhi Company was born from her love of making baby blankets for close friends. ‘Awhi’ is a Māori word that means to nurture, cherish and cuddle. Each blanket, wrap and throw features Māori designs. Joining Global Sisters and pitching to VISA, she says, is an opportunity to show other young people what they are capable of. READ FULL ARTICLE

Tasmyn Roach's idea for organic cotton paraikete (blankets) came from her love of making baby blankets for close friends and whānau. But as she learned more about her own culture and heritage, a passion for te ao Māori blossomed into a fusion of creativity and entrepreneurship – and Awhi was born. Working alongside her sister Shenaye, partner Lance, and son Kahika, Tasmyn founded Awhi Company – the word “awhi” means “embrace” or “cuddle” – selling unique Māori-designed baby blankets, muslin wraps, and throw blankets that feature traditional Māori designs, patterns, colours, and themes. “I want to normalise Māori culture for...

The support of whānau and a focus on te ao Māori have created strong foundations for Tasmyn Roach’s Awhi Company, which offers  beautiful wraps and blankets adorned with traditional Māori motifs.