Taranaki Artist Leads New Taranaki Like No Other Summer Merch Drop

The brand-new Taranaki Like No Other summer collection is here, featuring an exclusive design by local artist, Morgan Paige Taitoko, winner of the inaugural Taranaki Like No Other Design Competition.

The creative spirit of Taranaki will be front and centre this summer with Morgan Paige Taitoko’s artwork set to feature on a new limited-edition range of t-shirts and hoodies that celebrate the places and people that make Taranaki unique, while giving everyone a chance to own one of Morgan’s original artworks.

Since the Taranaki Like No Other range first launched in November 2024, it has grown rapidly in popularity, with Taranaki locals embracing the chance to represent their home, and visitors picking up meaningful mementos to take a piece of the region with them.

Holly Collins, Communications and Marketing Manager at Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki, says the competition has been an inspiring way to build regional brand awareness while supporting local talent.

"Our merchandise is all about celebrating what makes Taranaki special, and this competition gave creative locals the chance to capture the manaaki, tiaki, and iconic landmarks of our region in a design that will resonate with both locals and visitors.

"Taranaki has a reputation for boldness and creativity. We’re not afraid to think big, try new things, or express who we are. Morgan’s artwork is the perfect reflection of that spirit."

A portion of proceeds from every Taranaki Like No Other merchandise sale is reinvested into Venture Taranaki to support regional promotion, strengthen the visitor economy, and help share the Taranaki Like No Other story more widely.

Morgan’s winning design brings together some of the most recognisable icons around Taranaki; the Wind Wand, Te Rewa Rewa Bridge, and Cape Egmont Lighthouse, layered with the everyday rituals that define life here.

Biking the Coastal Walkway, grabbing a coffee with friends, playing a round of golf, or soaking up our enviable coastal life along Surf Highway 45 all find their place in the artwork, creating a vibrant snapshot of a region where creativity, community, and the outdoors are woven into daily rhythm.

"Taranaki Maunga anchors the whole design," Morgan Taitoko says. "I wanted to capture the parts we all love, the landmarks, the lifestyle, the activities, all wrapped up under our beautiful maunga."

The competition drew 15 high-quality designs from creatives right across the region, giving judges an exciting and challenging task. Her design was selected following a judging panel led by Holly Collins, Marketing Manager at Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki, Craig Jones of Maajor Brand Studios, Czarina Gupit, graphic designer at Game Changer, and local artist, Haoro Hond.

Together, the panel brought expertise in design, brand storytelling, cultural values, and product development. The judges were unanimous in their praise for Morgan’s ability to blend iconic regional landmarks with authentic slices of everyday Taranaki life.

Craig Jones of Maajor Brand Studio said, "Morgan’s illustration has such an effortless composition and contemporary style. A playful take on everything we love about our region."

The new summer range is available online through Game Changer’s website, before being rolled out through regional i-SITEs and at Novotel New Plymouth. The launch comes at a time when more locals than ever are choosing to wear their regional pride.

For Morgan, the joy is in seeing her work out in the world. "It’s pretty special seeing your design out in the wild. There’s something really cool about locals and visitors wearing it to show their love for Taranaki; it’s like we all get to share and wear a piece of home."

Taranaki Like No Other Merchandise is available online at gamechanger.org.nz/taranakilikenoother

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