Judge's comments:

The judges were impressed by the deeply empathetic backstory, beautifully wrapped in an elegant physical solution that embodies New Zealand's heritage and design language. The product features an expertly curated use of pattern, texture, and material, seamlessly fusing tradition and heritage into a contemporary design.

Description:

Noa Blanket Co. weave luxury NZ wool blankets that share stories of our inherent identity, each narrative a unique expression and extraordinary perspective of our common world. Intentionally drawing on Māori designs made here in Aotearoa, Noa blankets give a deeper meaning to the ceremony of gift giving. Sharing treasured designs that reflect our identity in our homes or adorned as a fashion statement, supporting the transmission of intergenerational knowledge through art & textile. We believe sharing our individual story reiterates our connectedness, as the essence of each celebrates our shared core values.

Each blanket is a vibrant tapestry that tells a story, featuring patterning and design elements that not only warm and calm a restless body, but is a work of art, a tāonga, a collaboration of culture and colour, a woven representation of our communities, and our Nation's strength and resilience - in a fabric which in itself is apart of our story, wool.