Kuki cutter made in Kirikiriroa, Aotearoa

Kuki Reka Kani are cookie cutters created by Kaumātua at the Rauawaawa Kaumātua Charitable Trust, who are working to create a safer, warmer and more age-friendly facility for today's and tomorrow's elders.

Designed and named by Kaumātua themselves, the cutters are inspired by Māori designs such as the koru, pāua, kete, hei matau and pikorua. They were first created to support Kaumātua with dementia through cooking therapy – baking together stimulates memory and the senses, while strengthening social connection, whakapapa and cultural identity. The designs are easy for elderly hands to use, and engaging for tamariki, rangatahi, whānau and even professional chefs.

Choose from thirteen designs sold individually: Pāua, Pikorua (single twist), Pikorua (double twist), Kete, Hei Matau, Koru, Kōwhai, Pōhutukawa, Kawakawa, Pīwakawaka, Tuī, Kea and Matariki star. Or choose one of two sets of three: the Mara set or the Manu set.

Each purchase directly supports the Trust's work upgrading its 1941 facilities, helping to fund dementia-friendly, environmentally sustainable and technologically enabled spaces for a rapidly growing Kaumātua population.

Manufactured locally in the Waikato, in Kirikiriroa Hamilton, the cutters also support the wider community through local production – manaakitanga in action, a tool for joy, creativity and connection.

Frances Nation is the exclusive Ōtautahi Christchurch stockist for REKA.