About
Electric Pukeko
Our Story
Designed for sunseekers. Built for New Zealand.
Electric Pukeko began in 2010 as a fun-loving festival brand and has since grown into a proudly NZ-owned and operated headwear and eyewear label.
Originally founded in Havelock North, Hawke’s Bay, we’ve recently relocated to sunny North Canterbury for a fresh chapter and lifestyle change.
We design all of our products in-house and collaborate closely with our suppliers each season to create new styles and prototypes. Every piece we make is built to balance form and function — helping you stay stylish while protecting you from New Zealand’s bold elements.
Thoughtfully Made
Sustainability sits at the heart of what we do. We use renewable materials like wool, hemp, paper, and FSC-certified wood, and most of our fabrics are UPF50+ rated by ARPANSA for excellent sun protection.
Our polarised sunglasses also meet NZ/AUS AS/NZS 1067:2016 safety standards — so you can look good and feel confident outdoors.
What We’re About
We’re proud to offer:
✔️ High-quality, sustainably made products
✔️ Eye-catching pop-up displays around NZ
✔️ Affordable pricing
✔️ Friendly, personal service
Whether you’re a festival regular, a weekend explorer, or just chasing the sun — we’re here to keep you shaded in style.
Thanks for supporting a small NZ business.
— The Electric Pukeko Team
Andrew & Jess
The Team
About Andrew & Jess
Electric Pukeko is proudly owned and operated by Andrew and Jess — a Hawke’s Bay couple now based in sunny North Canterbury, embracing a new chapter and chasing their dream of a year-round summer lifestyle brand.
In true hands-on fashion, Andrew and Jess wear all the hats (literally and figuratively!). During New Zealand’s vibrant summer months, they’re busy running the show — supplying stores, managing the online shop, coordinating custom orders, and bringing Electric Pukeko to life through their bold and colourful pop-up shop at music festivals and events across the country.
Winter brings a different kind of adventure: travelling to China to work directly with their production partners, followed by a family trip through Europe. Part holiday, part inspiration tour, these European journeys help keep Electric Pukeko connected to international fashion trends, materials, and fresh ideas for the seasons ahead.
When they’re not on the road or at events, you’ll find them making the most of family time — motorhoming around Aotearoa, exploring beaches, and soaking up everything this beautiful country has to offer.
Every part of their journey — from global sourcing to NZ summer festivals — feeds into their passion for quality design, sustainability, and authentic connection with customers.
Thanks for supporting our small Kiwi business.
With love,
Andrew & Jess
Our Production
Sustainable Focus
Our Products & Sustainability Commitment
At Electric Pukeko, we design all our products in-house and work closely with our suppliers each season to develop new styles and prototypes. Sustainability is a key part of our process — from materials to packaging.
We proudly use natural, renewable resources in our collections, including wool, hemp, paper, straw, bamboo and FSC-certified wood. These materials are not only better for the planet, but also offer durability and comfort for everyday wear.
For sun protection, our fabrics are independently tested by ARPANSA and rated UPF50+, providing excellent defence against New Zealand’s strong UV rays. Our polarised sunglasses meet NZ/AUS AS/NZS 1067:2016 standards, ensuring high-quality protection for your eyes.
We’re also committed to reducing waste. Our hats are shipped in recyclable cardboard boxes, and we use compostable satchels whenever possible for our other deliveries.
It’s all part of our mission to leave a lighter footprint — while helping you look good under the sun.
Our Suppliers
Our Supplier Relationships & Ethical Practices
At Electric Pukeko, we take pride in working with trusted suppliers who uphold high standards in their workplaces. Their employees are paid a fair living wage, work a 9-hour day, and enjoy weekends or rostered days off to spend quality time with their families.
We’ve built these partnerships over more than 16 years, and what began as business relationships have grown into lasting friendships founded on mutual respect and trust.
Our annual buying and production trips are a true highlight of the year. Each visit, we explore a new part of China — a country we’ve come to love deeply for its rich culture, history, language, and incredible food. Immersing ourselves in local traditions and daily life helps us stay connected not just to the people we work with, but to the inspiration behind our designs.
One of our most memorable experiences was bringing both sets of our parents along on a holiday and sourcing trip. And just recently, we took the next generation of Electric Pukeko — our five-year-old son Leo — on his very first China adventure. Watching him experience the culture, the people, and the food for the first time was a moment we’ll never forget.
These shared experiences and deep connections are part of what makes our work so rewarding. They’re a reminder that behind every product is a story — of craftsmanship, culture, and connection.
