Skip Content
nadia

Nadia Poole is making a name for herself by mixing her love of material with motherhood.

The young mum’s new venture Aroha Textiles creates locally-designed woven fabrics to make baby wraps, slings and carriers.

But even with an International Business degree, things like income tax and GST were daunting, so Nadia completed a Certificate in Applied Small Business Growth and Development through Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. 

She encourages anyone considering a business of their own to do the same.
 
“The course re-lit the spark for me. I was working six days so in a way ….I questioned why I had put so much on my plate. In my heart of hearts though I knew it was needed for my own future. In my case, Te Wānanga o Aotearoa ushered me along to where I wanted to be.”

A vintage clothing enthusiast, Nadia says her obsession with textile patterns and textures came from her mother Jan. Then in 2014 when she became a parent she saw a gap in the baby-wearing market for authentic south Pacific designs.

“Romy was like a paua for her first year and baby wearing saved the day in many ways. When I was feeling drab and disgusting, I’d wrap her against me in a woven piece of beauty and colour and we’d both feel much better.”

Nadia approached a well-known designer to help create something she could get produced into a loom-woven jacquard for her own baby carrier. 

What was then a personal project turned into something much bigger.

Months of research, development and testing was needed to get the right yarn and weave construction make this product the first New Zealand-based brand of its kind. 

“I’m blessed to know hugely talented artists, who are sensitive to cultural appropriation.” 

With baby wraps as the focus, Nadia hopes to see them become legacy items crafted as works of textile art to be enjoyed for generations.

As someone who was afraid of accountants and felt nervous speaking to bank managers, the wānanga course explained to Nadia what was required to make it as a business owner. 

“It's better to get help to figure out whether an idea is viable, rather than always wonder. If it's strong, there's a good chance it’s more attainable than you think.

"I'm extremely grateful, firstly that Te Wānanga o Aotearoa exists and the course was available, but secondly that I jumped at the chance to do it.”


 Back to news & events

Published On: 24 May, 2016

Article By: Carly Tawhiao



Other Articles

  • 24 April 2025

    Te Wānanga o Aotearoa celebrates 40 years of transforming education

    Te Wānanga o Aotearoa celebrates 40 years of transforming education since the opening of O-Tāwhao Marae. Join us for a special Taringa podcast episode and livestream on Facebook.

  • 22 April 2025

    From kaupapa to K-pop

    Discover the inspiring journey of Shelley Hoani, who earned her Doctorate in Indigenous Development and Advancement with Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi. Learn how her passion for education, Rangahau, and K-pop has shaped her life and career at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.

  • 09 April 2025

    Rangatahi carving their own way forward

    Discover how Tāmaki rangatahi are carving their way into a brighter future through the Mahi ā Toi Academy at Rutherford College. Learn how this programme blends traditional Māori art of whakairo with modern tools, fostering a strong connection to whakapapa and Māori culture.

  • 9 April 2025

    Finding strength and a future through social work

    Discover the inspiring journey of Tessa Thompson, a social work tauira at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. Learn how the Manaaki Tāngata programme and dedicated kaiako helped her overcome challenges and pursue a career in social work. Explore her commitment to making a positive impact on her whānau and community in Kawerau, and her aspirations to mentor rangatahi.