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We thought about designing and weaving a Waitaki tartan for years, but it was always in the too hard basket. One November day in 2022 it suddenly became important that we did it, before we couldn't. We are delighted that you are following our journey. We trust you will love this project as much as we do, and support us in telling some of the stories of the Waitaki.
We chose to make Oamaru our home in 1993. Our families immigrated to New Zealand from Scotland in the 1840-50’s, Sue’s to North Auckland and Rod’s to Southland. Our grandchildren are 8th generation New Zealanders.
We have a deep connection with this region we call home.
We acknowledge with respect Waitaki's tangata whenua, the generations who came before us, and those who will come after.
... we have three goals ...
To design and weave a tartan fabric that tells some of the stories of the Waitaki; the land, river, and people – with authenticity and respect.
To produce a commercially viable artisan fabric with a limited carbon footprint, as locally, sustainably and ethically as possible.
To create a sustainable, marketable, registered tartan design, as a legacy
for future Waitaki culture and heritage fundraising opportunities..
... learn more about ...
Tartans are grids.
Grids are formed by interconnecting lines.
Relationships are formed by interconnecting moments.
McLean & Co.
Sharing the stories of this beautiful place with respect is very important to us. We don't want this to be just a commercial project, we want it to be a narrative, where the story of the colours and design encourage people to think of and reflect on the relationships we have, or could have, with each other and our environment.
It is important to us that we tell the story of the Waitaki, the land, the river, and the people with integrity and respect. We acknowledge and appreciate the support and guidance given us regarding the cultural, historical and geographical history of the Waitaki region.
We acknowledge and appreciate the work done by Waitaha, Ngai Tahu, Vanished World, Waitaki Whitestone Geopark and Waitaki Culture and Heritage in guiding our understanding of the cultural, historical and geographical history of the Waitaki region.
DISCLAIMER: Any errors are unintentional and will be remedied as we learn and understand more.
The first people of Te Waipounamu (South Island) were Waitaha. They journeyed from Hawaiki on the Uruao waka and settled on what became the Canterbury Plains. Ngāti Māmoe and then Ngāi Tahu followed. Over time and with warfare, intermarriage and political alliances, a common allegiance to Ngāi Tahu was forged.
The history of Waitaki tangata whenua is embedded in the landscape and the narrative of our region, as are those of the early European sealers, whalers and settlers, and those more recently settled here. Just as the stories, place names and traditions are interwoven throughout the landscape, we have endeavoured to weave them into the designs of our Waitaki collection.
Ka tiriro ake ki te tihi o Aoraki,
Heke atu ki te awa tapu o Waitaki,
Huri ki te Moana o Araiteuru,
Tena koutou katoa.
Look up to the top of Aoraki,
And back down the Waitaki River,
To the coast of the ancient canoe of the gods, Araiteuru,
Greetings to you all.
This mihi is kindly given to the people of and visitors to Waitaki by Kai Tahu Whanui.
Photo credit: Naruedom Yaempongsa
... to care for your little piece of Waitaki ...
Please wash this fine Merino wool product with care. Avoid snagging. We recommend washing
gently by hand using an eco-friendly wool detergent. Dry flat in the shade. Cool iron.
DO NOT MACHINE WASH OR TUMBLE DRY.