January 21, 2026

MokoBandz: The Teen Artist Redefining the Classic Red Band

Dale Husband Posted On January 21, 2026

A young Māori artist from Whakatāne is transforming one of Aotearoa’s most iconic rural items into a powerful expression of culture, identity and storytelling.

Malachi Kurei, a rangatahi creator with a passion for Māori art, is the force behind MokoBandz – a creative enterprise that reimagines the classic red band gumboot through hand-designed Māori patterns inspired by tā moko and whakapapa.

What began as an artistic outlet has grown into a distinctive brand, with Malachi carefully crafting each design to tell a story. His work turns everyday gumboots into wearable taonga, blending practicality with cultural meaning and pride.

Malachi says MokoBandz is about more than style – it’s about reclaiming space for Māori art in everyday life, and showing that culture can live anywhere, from the marae to the farm paddock. Each pair reflects whakaaro Māori, creativity, and the confidence of a new generation expressing identity on their own terms.

Community response has been overwhelmingly positive, with supporters praising the originality of the designs and the kaupapa behind the work. Many see MokoBandz as an example of rangatahi entrepreneurship – where creativity, culture and commerce come together.

As Māori youth continue to carve new pathways in business and the arts, Malachi Kurei’s journey stands as a reminder that innovation doesn’t always mean starting from scratch – sometimes it means re-imagining what we already know, through a Māori lens.

From Whakatāne to the wider motu, MokoBandz is proving that even a humble red band can carry stories of identity, resilience and future potential.