oNE-OF-A-KIND- wAKA mOE
Handmade in Aotearoa — authentic, affordable, and local.
Fully assembled for Pick up or Drop off with payment plan options.
Embedded Files
“Handcrafted in Aotearoa — one-of-a-kind waka moe that honour your loved one, save whānau money, and keep support local.”
All our customised waka moe (caskets/coffins) are handmade with aroha. No two are ever the same, ensuring you receive a truly unique waka moe for your loved one.
The cost of each waka moe varies depending on the level of craftsmanship and materials required. To keep our prices affordable for whānau, we source many of our supplies locally — from trusted community stores such as Hospice, Salvation Army, and Habitat, who in turn give back to our communities.
Takaingaroa Matene Croft – My Father’s Final Waka - How a simple box transformed into a beautiful final masterpiece
Takaingaroa Matene Croft – My Father’s Final Waka - How a simple box transformed into a beautiful final masterpiece
This is my father’s final waka tupapaku. As a builder, my dad was dissatisfied with the high costs and limited options available at funeral homes, which sparked the beginning of my journey. I had the honor of helping my father build his own final waka—a project that truly reflected his character and legacy.
His magnificent waka tupapaku features a painting of his parents on the split lid and a beautifully detailed depiction of his whānau waterfall at Motatau along the sides. It also includes foldable legs for added functionality, allowing whanau and friends to avoid bending down—just another example of my dad, always thinking of others.
Today, my dad is 85 years old and has helped many people create their own unique final waka, made just for them. His work continues to make a meaningful difference in our local community, and I’m proud to carry on his legacy.
The cost of our waka tupapaku varies depending on the level of work involved in the build. We also collaborate with local businesses for professional paintwork and engage local artists to create custom artwork, ensuring each waka is crafted with skill and meaning.
Because of this, the price for our customized waka starts at $2,500+, reflecting the craftsmanship, materials, and unique artistic elements that go into each design.
Split lid with gold chain & cystal ball.
Split lid with gold chain & cystal ball.
Soft velvet in purple pincushioned lining
Soft velvet in purple pincushioned lining
We offer a range of lining options for our custom-built waka, including silk lining and pin-cushioned lining. If you have a specific type of lining in mind, just let us know—we're happy to accommodate your preferences to make your waka truly unique.
While most of our waka feature our own handmade wooden handles, you also have the option to choose plastic handles and coffin adornments at an additional cost. Please note that these will need to be ordered in, so allow extra time for availability.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse