At Kwest Clothing, giving back matters. While we’re just getting started, we’ve made it a priority to donate to charities that support causes close to our heart. 

LAND BACK Tees – Strengthening the Māori

Nursing Workforce & Lake Rotokakā Preservation

Proceeds from our Land Back Tees were donated to Te Korowai Ngā Ringa Āwhina, an organisation committed to supporting and uplifting Māori nurses and nursing students. The funds we donated were used to hire a tutor to help Māori nursing students pass their exams on their second attempt, giving them the extra support needed to succeed on their journey to becoming registered nurses.

For many Māori students, the path to becoming a nurse isn’t straightforward. Systemic barriers, financial strain, and the weight of balancing study with whānau responsibilities can make it incredibly challenging. Te Korowai Ngā Ringa Āwhina understands this and works tirelessly to ensure our future Māori nurses get the help they need to succeed.

It was only right to give back to our Māori community with this meaningful tee. Māori nurses bring cultural understanding, whānau-centered care, and a deeper connection to the communities they serve. And we know that more Māori nurses mean better health outcomes for Māori. This donation wasn’t just about helping individuals - it was about strengthening the Māori health workforce for future generations.

With the restock of our Land Back Tees, we expanded our support by splitting the donations between Te Korowai Ngā Ringa Āwhina and Rotokakāhi. While Te Korowai continues its incredible work supporting Māori nurses and students, the donation to Rotokākahi will go towards funding legal efforts, environmental protection, and the safeguarding of wāhi tapu against the Rotorua Lakes Council’s planned sewage pipe project.

By supporting both these kaupapa, the Land Back Tees not only empower our Māori nursing workforce but also contribute to the ongoing guardianship of our land and natural resources. Giving back in these ways strengthens our communities, our people, and our future.

Pāua Collection – Protecting Aotearoa’s Coastlines 

Proceeds from our Pāua Collection were and will continue to be donated to Sustainable Coastlines, a charity dedicated to restoring and protecting Aotearoa’s waterways and beaches. It only made sense that by using the beautiful designs of pāua, we give back and help clean up the oceans of Aotearoa - home of the pāua.

Pāua is not just a symbol of beauty in our designs - it’s a taonga (treasure) that connects us to our moana, our whakapapa, and our whenua. Through this donation, we have helped support vital conservation efforts, ensuring our coastlines and marine life remain protected for future generations. At Kwest Clothing, we’re proud to support causes that make a real difference in our communities and the environment. With your purchase, you’re not just getting a product - you’re contributing to a greater purpose. 

Thank you for helping us continue to make an impact and for being part of our journey. Together, we’re creating positive change.