Bunnings launches exclusive MokoBandz gumboot across North Island stores

Māori designer, Malachi Kurei, is bringing his MokoBandz gumboots to local Bunnings stores, with an exclusive design launching for a limited time across selected North Island locations.

Founded by Malachi while he was still at school, MokoBandz has grown from a simple idea into a purpose-driven brand grounded in cultural respect, creativity and long-term vision. After years of self-teaching, experimentation and personal investment, Malachi developed a gumboot designed to be a blank canvas for meaningful Māori design.

Bunnings will be the first retailer to stock the brand, offering customers an exclusive colourway and design, Tangaroa, inspired by the Māori atua of the sea, lakes and waterways.

The exclusive MokoBandz gumboot will be available in five North Island Bunnings stores - Te Rapa, Whakatāne, Mount Maunganui, Gisborne and Palmerston North - marking a significant milestone for the founder-led brand.

Malachi Kurei said partnering with Bunnings was a significant step for the brand.

“MokoBandz has always been about honouring my connection to Māori culture and sharing that through design,” Kurei said.

“To see my work available in local Bunnings stores is incredibly special. Being supported by a retailer that values Māori-led creativity makes this launch even more meaningful.”

Bunnings General Manager New Zealand, Melissa Haines, said the partnership reflects Bunnings’ commitment to supporting Māori-led businesses.

“We’re proud to support the launch of MokoBandz and bring this exclusive design to customers in the North Island,” Haines said.

“Supporting local people and communities matters to us, and this collaboration allows our customers to connect with a uniquely New Zealand story while choosing a product that’s practical, high-quality and culturally grounded.”

MokoBandz aims to contribute to the ongoing revitalisation of Māori arts through its footwear. Each pair is grounded in the brand’s mission to allow those who wear them to represent their values. Every collection draws inspiration from the natural world, reflecting a deep connection to identity, environment, and cultural expression.

The Tangaroa design draws on symbolism of connection to whenua, awareness and grounding, with the mokomoko motif representing foresight and sensitivity to the world around us – values embedded in the MokoBandz brand from the outset.

The exclusive MokoBandz gumboot will be available while stocks last in selected North Island Bunnings stores from 27th April.

Download the media release