Welcome to our new journal—or as we like to call it, our kōrero (conversation). If you are reading this, you likely share a passion for the outdoors. There is a specific kind of freedom that comes from loading up a bike with just the essentials, escaping the noise, and setting up camp under the New Zealand sky. But when you are miles from the nearest town, you quickly realise that the gear you carry matters. You need equipment you can absolutely rely on.
That is the foundation of Pakiki.
In Te Reo Māori, Pakiki means “to question frequently, inquire, probe.” When building this store, I took that meaning literally. I questioned the durability, utility, and value of every piece of equipment. Every single product you find in our shop is gear I have personally packed, used, and relied upon during my own camping and bikepacking trips. If it didn’t survive the elements or genuinely improve the journey, it didn’t make the cut. We only stock what works.
More Than Just Great Gear
While being out on the trail is incredible for clearing the mind, we recognise that for many young men in Aotearoa, the internal struggles they face cannot simply be pedalled away. The silence surrounding men’s mental health is a heavy burden, and it is time we start pulling our weight to change that.
Our putake (purpose) goes beyond providing you with reliable camping equipment. We believe that a business should actively support the community it exists within.
That is why 10% of all our profits are donated directly to the Fortress 40 initiative.
Supporting the Fortress 40 Challenge
Fortress 40 is an inspiring movement led by the student leaders of Tauranga Boys’ College. They have taken it upon themselves to destigmatise and raise awareness around men’s mental health in New Zealand through action.
To test both body and mind, these young men undertake a gruelling 40-hour challenge of extreme physical exertion. This includes heavy lifting, running, cycling, swimming, Waka Ama, boxing, and cold-tolerance training. They push far beyond their limits to show that vulnerability and asking for help are signs of true strength.
Join the Journey
By choosing to gear up with Pakiki, you are making a deliberate choice. You are investing in bikepacking and camping equipment that has been field-tested in the real world, and you are directly funding a crucial kōrero about mental health for the next generation of Kiwi men.
This blog will be a space where we share tips on how to use our gear, stories from the trail, and updates on the Fortress 40 challenge.
Have a look around the shop, upgrade your setup, and thank you for being part of the journey.
Tātou tātou (We are all in this together).
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