In 2012, I left Wellington's treacherous runway for Naarm (Melbourne), eager to soak up its vibrant, eclectic and multi-cultural scene and landscape. Before this move, I ran a niche design and research consulting business in Wellington, specialising in Māori communication design. My work addressed the need for visual messaging that genuinely connected with Māori audiences.

Starting over in Melbourne with a busy corporate job and parenthood thrown in the mix, creative practice took a back seat. But my urge to create—telling visual stories that express my culture, push creative boundaries, and connect with others—only grew stronger. After my pāpā passed suddenly in 2018, I felt a major perspective shift: I launched MISS MAIA in a matter of weeks to reclaim my creative side, to heal, and to reconnect with ‘home’ and my cultural roots after many years abroad.

MISS MAIA became my creative outlet, allowing me to (re)discover old and new cultural forms, brought to life with vector illustration, new materials, technology and handmade production. It’s been a journey of expression, innovation, healing and joy. My passion for design drives every one of my unique pieces, as I immerse myself in every step of the process. By supporting MISS MAIA, you’re directly supporting a wahine Māori business owner, a family (my son and I) and the extended communities that MISS MAIA is a part of.

After eight and a half years in Melbourne, I returned home in September 2020, grounding MISS MAIA on my ancestral whenua of Ngāti Awa in Whakatāne. The brand has grown steadily over the years, now stocked in galleries and retail spaces across NZ and Australia. Proud and endlessly grateful, I’m excited for what's next. Reach out anytime—I’d love to connect.

Arohanui (much love) - Tracey Gardner

Learn more about MISS MAIA at the links below:

• Our Place Magazine (Issue 43 - Dec 22/Jan 23, pg 27): The Little Big Markets - MISS MAIA
• The Spinoff (November 2022): Kirihimete Gift Guide 2022
• Whakatāne Beacon article (August 2022): Jewellery Business Makes Top 50 Māori Products List
• Te Hiku Media interview (February 2021): Māori Entrepreneurs Showcase at Waitangi
• La Vita Magazine (Summer 2020, pg 18-19): On Becoming the Storyteller
• The Spinoff (December 2020): Kirihimete Gift Guide 2020