ahu boutique

A Rotorua local and sewing since the age of eight, Adrienne Whitewood is well-practised in delivering the goods when it comes to dressing the people of this town. A clear Māori influence means the pieces at ahu boutique are stunningly unique, and the more Adrienne discovers about historic Māori art practices, the more enthused she is to bring replicas of that into her own work.

A small but considered space means there’s no panic involved in looking through racks and racks of clothes. Here you can rest easy knowing what’s on display is quality pieces you can wear time and time again. Deep blues, maroons, mustards and greens make up the colour palette of the winter season, while by the time summer rolls around, Adrienne will have designed a whole new collection of fresh looks.

The posters and postcards for sale are also designed by the clever woman and aim to show the multiculturalism now synonymous with being a New Zealander. There are thermal bath salts (which Adrienne designed the packaging for) and bright funky jewellery for sale too — the bold tiki necklaces and the punchy stockings are both statement pieces which go with the ahu look perfectly.