From inspiration to embodiment 🥹✨
What began with kōrero of kuia, of presence, of pose now comes into form.
In the way she stands.
In the way she moves.
In the way she shows up.
Rooted in whakapapa, carried through every detail.
The Mere Trench – inspired by Mere and Mere.
A reflection of legacy, worn in the present.
Available Now
#TAIEA #MereTrench #Whakapapa #KuiaInspiration #Aotearoa #Availablenow
29 April 2016 - te rā i wehe atu ai te whaea/kuia o Te Rina🤍
10 tau ki muri i poroporoakingia a Mere Haerata Karekare ki tōna marae, ki Kahungunu i Nūhaka. Today we remember the ten year anniversary of the late Mere Haerata Karekare.
Among those memories is this moment the late Huia Brown (nee Maitai) singing with Jeremy shortly before her final service 10 years ago.
Remembering Te Rina & Esta (and many more) Mum/Nan today, and holding close the memories, the waiata, and the people who shared that time.
Moe mai rā, e kui, kōrua ko te kuia reo rōreka nei.
We are nearing the 10 year memorial since the late Mere Haerata Karekare passed away on April 29 2016. She was Te Rina’s grandmother who she called Mum. She is one of the driving inspirations behind the Mere Trench coat. She represented everything that TAIEA does today. It is said the second death of a person is when they are no longer spoken of - there is no return from that. As we approach her 10 year anniversary we share this image today with you all. If your Nan is still here - call her today and tell her you love her.
They’ve arrived.
Fresh from the box, carrying every story, every detail.
From inspiration to form – now finally here.
The Mere Trench.
#TAIEA #MereTrench #Whakapapa #KuiaInspiration #Aotearoa ComingSoon
A deeply personal piece, named in honour of Te Rina’s two nan’s Mere KareKare and Mere Mansfield. It carries the essence of their aroha and warmth that goes beyond physical.
Designed to shield you from the harshest, wettest conditions, this trench is more than protection from the elements. It is a jacket woven with the memory, strength and aroha, the same aroha that is wrapped around Te Rina.
Crafted from high grade materials 90% Duckdown and 10% feather. It offers exceptional warmth, but it’s true purpose is deeper, to carry that feeling of being held, protected and cared for.
Everytime it is worn, that love lives on!
Available at 5pm on 16 April 2026
Sizes small - 2XL
Trying to figure out the right name, a name that would hold the story. 🤔
This one felt right, it felt obvious.
#TAIEA #MereTrench #Whakapapa #KuiaInspiration #Aotearoa ComingSoon
Throwback To the Creation Phase. 🪄👩🏽🏫
I knew I wanted this piece to represent my two kuia... but I had no idea what it
was yet.
Just photos, memories, and ideas on a whiteboard.
Figuring it out as it came.
#TAIEA #MereTrench #Whakapapa #KuiaInspiration #Aotearoa #ComingSoon
Meet The Lady
Meet one of the women behind the inspiration.
A kuia at her treadle machine – steady, skilled, bringing garments to life.
With 15 tamariki in her care, every stick mattered. Her work wasn’t just craft, it was love in action.
#TAIEA #MereTrench #Whakapapa #KuiaInspiration #Aotearoa #ComingSoon
Who inspires you? ✨
Te Rina reflects on her two kuia, Mere and Mere. Two women who embody grace, strength. Their poise. Their presence. Their power.
This is where the story starts.
#TAIEA #MereTrench #Whakapapa #KuiaInspiration #Aotearoa #ComingSoon
