Kuki Reka Kani Cookie Cutters - Original Set of 3

Bring one-of-a-kind Māori designs into your kitchen and make uniquely shaped cookies with these Kuki Reka Kani (loosely translated as cookie cutters) designed by Waikato Kaumātua.

The Original set that started it all, this trio includes Pāua (abalone), Kete (basket) and Pikorua (single twist) shaped cookie cutters. Each set also includes a booklet giving more detail about each cutter design plus a selection of delicious recipes to get you started. The cutters each have a chunky handle making them easy for all hands to grip and move around, whether they be little hands or arthritic ones... so everyone can have fun in the kitchen together!

Kuki Reka refers to the delicious cookies that are made with these cutters. Reka means delicious in Māori and for the purposes of our products Reka also stands for: Rauawaawa Enterprise for Kaumātua Aspirations. We are proud that our products are New Zealand made and that they have been named and lovingly inspired by Kaumātua at Rauawaawa. 

Pāua (abalone)

Pāua are a taonga (treasure) to Māori. Pāua is a valued resource for traditional and contemporary art. Pāua shells are often used to represent the eyes in Māori carvings and are traditionally associated with whetu, the eyes of the ancestors that look down on us from the night sky. The way the colours of the shell move in the light is a symbol of change and transition in Māori culture. Pāua meat is a kaimoana (seafood) delicacy and played a significant role in manaakitanga ki ngā manuhiri (hosting of visitors) for many Māori tribes, especially if the visitors were of importance.

Kete (basket)

The kete is a traditional based made and used by Māori, traditionally woven from harakeke (flax), pingao (coastal grass) or kiekie. Strips of leaves are woven using the technique known as 'raranga'. Patterns symbolising elements of nature were often woven into the kete, which were carefully protected between iwi and passed down generations, Raranga is a powerful symbol that evokes tribal memories of their ancestors, representing togetherness and unity through weaving people into families and tribes. The kete itself is a symbol for the three baskets of knowledge and wisdom that Tane brought down to Earth from the Heavens: Te Kete Tuatea, Te Kete Tauri and Te Kete Aronui. 

Pikorua (single twist)

The pikorua, twist, symbolises the path of life in Māori as it takes many twists and turns but carries on despite everything. It is believed to be based on the weaving of the kete (basket). It shows the joining of two people for eternity, representing how they may come together and move away from each other on their own journey in life, however their love, loyalty and friendship will last forever.

• Food grade polypropylene
• Aluminium dowel insert in the handle making it strong and durable
• Designed and manufactured in Hamilton, New Zealand
• Dishwasher safe (top rack)
• Wash before use

This product is also available to purchase in store at Zealandia.

All proceeds support Zealandia's 500 conservation mission.