Nikau Hindin (Ngai Tūpoto, Te Rarawa, Ngāpuhi) is a barkcloth maker who works with aute (paper mulberry, Broussonetia papyrifera) and natural earth pigments. Nikau has spent most of the past decade dedicated to remembering and reinvigorating the practice of aute in Aotearoa. Her practice is devoted to the life cycle of the paper mulberry plant, from its growing and harvesting, to processing the inner bark and creating a fine white cloth. Working intimately with plants, she aligns her practices with the maramataka, Māori Lunar Calendar. Using earth pigments to inscribe her aute pieces with design systems that come from rectilinear whatu raranga and tukutuku patterns.

Nikau's pieces are born from Māori conceptions of time and space. Star maps record the rising and setting of stars like Matariki, Puanga, and Rehua on the horizon and come from the navigational system of the star compass. She uses her maps as mnemonics to record the movement of stars in relation to the stellar lunar calendar and tracks their seasonal changes.

Nikau is also teaching this knowledge to a new generation of makers and has great hopes and aspirations for the practice of aute in te ao Māori.

1. Vrou Waffle Throw // Cypress

I am not going to lie, I collect blankets. So This would either find its way onto a bed or couch, but mainly I love to take my blankets to the marae with me so I stay cosy.

2. Arnold Circus Stool // Navy

The perfect stool/ bedside table/ plinth for art objects.

3. Ash Spitz and Walnut Spitz

These are so gorgeous. Never underestimate the satisfaction of a good salt and pepper grinder. I use these at least three times a day.

4. Japanese Suri Pestle and Mortar

It would be hard not to use this for my art practice to grind earth pigments, but I would keep this in the kitchen for grinding herbs and making guacamole.

5. Rush Table Mat // Small

These are so beautiful. I love anything hand woven and sturdy.