Moko-ia Creative is a contemporary Māori design studio led by Henriata Nicholas, working across surface pattern design, applied art and spatial environments.
Grounded in whakapapa, whenua and mātauranga Māori, each design explores the translation of cultural narratives into structured visual systems that can move across material, scale and space.
This work sits between art and design — bridging traditional knowledge with contemporary application across textile, interior and architectural contexts.
What We Do
Designing contemporary cultural experiences across surface, object and environment.
Surface Pattern Design
Custom and licensed surface pattern collections for textiles, wallpaper, interiors and commercial applications.
Applied Art & Product Design
Creating culturally grounded design systems that transate across products, collections and built environments.
Spacial & Environmental Design
Integrating visual narratives into interior, exhibitions and architectural environments.
From concept to environment
We collaborate with architects, designers, cultural organisations and communities to create meaningful visual experiences ground in place and identity.
Featured Projects
Contemporary cultural design grounded in identity, narrative and place.
Latest from the Studio | Collections in Motion
Koruru | Ancestral Forms
Honouring Tūpuna Through Contemporary Māori Pattern Design
Coastal | Marine Textures
An exploration of connection to the moana (ocean)
Taaniko| Woven Geometry
Contemporary interpretation of Māori Taaniko hand woven patterns.
Koruru | Ancestral Forms
Honouring Tūpuna Through Contemporary Māori Pattern Design
Clematis | Childhood Memories
Botanical patterns infused with texture and story
Check out the Spoonflower Shop
Coastal | Marine Textures
An exploration of connection to the moana (ocean)
Read the Story Behind the Pattern
Tūi & Mānuka | Native Story Collection
Explore the flora and fauna of Atoearoa
Follow on Instagram @mokoiacreative or Shop these designs on Spoonflower
DESIGN
Open Space Art
Our unique integrative design experience stems from a depth of expertise in public art fabrication, capability to be creative with a combination of materials, and an understanding of appropriate iwi cultural integration.
We bring the right combination of skills to curate amazing outcomes that sit well with the whenua of any project we we take on.
Create
Made by hand
We like to make things that are inspired by our lived experiences and what makes an impact on our wairua. We choose to work with a myriad of materials from stone, found objects, to digital illustration and surface pattern design. This often expands ideas beyond the studio into new opportunities and creative conversations.
Collaborate
Tino Rangatiratanga
Self Determination is why I am passionate about this form of art.
Uhi Tā Moko is the physical action of pushing ink into the skin with hand made tools. The ink accentuates the patterns as the visual story of your life inspiration.
The patterns and skin are a play on negative and positive space.
Recent Projects
Civic Building
Sir Howard Morrison Centre
Environmental
Otara Creek Bridge
Blog
Reflections
Finding Balance in Uncertain Times: Honouring Hauora, Creativity, and Connection JUST ANOTHER AWESOME CREATIVE JOURNEY A personal reflection on navigating overwhelm, honouring hauora, and finding balance through connection, creativity, and nature-inspired healing....
How I got into Surface Pattern Design
How I got into Surface Pattern Design JUST ANOTHER AWESOME CREATIVE JOURNEY A little about me: I was born in Rotorua, in the heart of the Waiariki—Hot Springs of the Gods—and now live in the bush near the Waitomo Caves in Te Rohe Pōtae, the King Country. Creativity...
Pungarungaru
Pungarungaru Point Resolution Bridge Auckland City Council media release: 15 September 2014 Tāmaki Makaurau | Cultural Integration & Pattern Design This project was my second major cultural integration commission in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland. I was selected by...
To get in touch send an email to contact@moko-iacreative.co.nz