Exclusive Ra Gossage Printed T-shirts

A bit about the artist

Ra Gossage is a self-taught painter of Ngāti Wai & Ngāti Ruanui descent, working from her home studio based in Pakiri Beach. Her paintings are a reflection of her heritage, culture & environment. Ra's interest in the Arts began in childhood, where she observed & assisted her father (Peter Gossage) making kōwhaiwhai (decorative pattern) panels. Over the last 15 years, Gossage has developed as a designer of contemporary kōwhaiwhai; her works reflect her learnings & love for kōwhaiwhai & ultimately aims to promote the beauty & importance of this treasured Māori art form.

The meaning behind the print design : Māhutonga

Gossage created an original design exclusive to Unity Collection called Māhutonga, which is her interpretation of The Southern Cross star constellation, featuring a kōwhaiwhai motif. It is made up of 4 smaller Koru around the edges which are the 4 main whētu of this constellation : Acrux, Mimosa, Gacrux and Imai, together forming the cross pattern. Māhutonga was also used by Maori to find south and as a navigational aid.

The Māhutonga T-shirts are made from 100% Cotton and printed in Tāmaki Makaurau, available in sizes S-3XL with multiple colour ways to choose from.