Celebrate Aotearoa
23RD MARCH 2023
Celebrate Aotearoa in Tāmaki
After some time away, proud Tāmaki local, Czarina Wilson, has returned to her roots and set up a unique gift shop, Celebrate Aotearoa, in the heart of Glen Innes.
Located at 3/260 Apirana Ave across from the train station and next door to fashion designer Kiri Nathan’s hub Āhuru mōwai, the store is a perfect one-stop shop for Māori and Pasifika inspired gifts and homeware, all made by talented kiwi artists and craft makers from around the country. They stock a diverse range of Aotearoa themed artwork, jewellery, homeware, books and so much more.
After operating for four years in South Auckland, Czarina who is of Tongan and Scottish descent, felt the pull to come back home and feels proud to serve the community she holds close to her heart.
She says, "Even though the area is changing and growing I think it is important for us to be able to hold on to and tell our stories. From those who are no longer here or with us, to the people that are.
Since opening, the support from the community and surrounding has been amazing. Even though this started as a small business journey, returning has almost been a healing one as well. Through the arts, with new conversation and connections being made in this space.”
With a background in the Arts from Fashion/Wearable Arts to Contemporary Weaving, Czarina hopes to use her experience to create a hub at the space to inspire locals to share their own stories through creative forms. She has already hosted a few small networking events and plans to activate more pop-up sessions and workshops for aspiring creatives of all ages.
“I’m looking forward to growing this space, and I’m grateful for those who have helped me get it off the ground. We have well-established creatives on hand offering advice to grassroots Māori and Pasifika businesses, and that’s what it’s all about.”
Celebrate Aotearoa is open on Monday - Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday 10am-3pm.
Visit Czarina at 3/260 Apirana Avenue, Glen Innes, Auckland
