Inner city’s creative pop-up: The Kowhai Collective

The Kowhai Collective has opened a pop-up store in the CBD, run by a group of local artists, crafters and designers. The collective was formed after the recent closure of the Pay it Forward Design Store in Mairehau, an initiative set up by Neighbourhood Trust, where profits from the store were used to support community programmes.

With many of the designers from the store wanting to continue the initiative, The Kowhai Collective runs under a slightly different model and includes a range of craft workshops, as well as a space to watch the ‘makers’ in action.

Joining the inner-city buzz until Christmas, the pop-up shop will be based in the Guthrey Centre. Kirstee, one of The Kowhai Collective’s designers, says shoppers can browse the items for sale at the shop while meeting and talking to the makers. “We are so excited and feel so privileged to be based here in the city for the next few weeks.”