About us

Our Story - Manawa Tāngata

In te ao Māori, "Manawa" is the heart and spirit - the source of life, emotion, and energy. "Tāngata" is the people, the community, humanity itself. Together, Manawa Tāngata means the heart of the people, and the strength that comes when heart and people are united.

For Tyla, it reflects the essence of what she creates: designs inspired by culture, made with love, shaped for the people. Every piece carries her journey of rediscovering her Māori heritage and bringing it forward in a fresh, contemporary way through 3D-printed designs.

Her lamps and décor are more than objects; they are light, connection, and storytelling. Each one holds a piece of Tyla’s heart and the heartbeat of her culture, shining with the spirit of Manawa Tāngata.

About the Artist

Tyla Thorpe is a young Māori artist from Aotearoa New Zealand, raised in the coastal town of Ōtaki where her upbringing was enriched by a strong sense of whānau and community. Her mother’s iwi are Ngāti Ruanui and Ngā Rauru, and her father is of English descent. This unique cultural heritage helps to shape her artistic perspective in the modern world.

Currently studying floristry, Tyla draws inspiration from nature’s forms, colours, and textures. She works closely with her family’s 3D printing business, which allows her to transform her designs into beautifully crafted, tangible pieces. Her art reflects her journey of cultural rediscovery, incorporating traditional Māori motifs into modern décor.

Through Manawa Tāngata, Tyla shares the beauty of Māori culture while embracing innovation, creating works that are both meaningful and contemporary.