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 grown into a proudly New Zealand-owned headwear and eyewear label, bringing style, sun protection, and adventure together.
Founded in Havelock North, Hawke’s Bay, and now based in sunny North Canterbury, we’re inspired by the Kiwi lifestyle and a love of the outdoors. Every season, we design our collections in-house and work closely with trusted suppliers to develop new styles that balance quality, comfort, and function.
Thoughtfully Made
Sustainability is at the heart of what we do. We carefully select renewable materials including wool, hemp, paper, and FSC-certified wood, while many of our fabrics are independently tested and rated UPF50+ by ARPANSA for excellent sun protection.
Our polarised sunglasses also meet AS/NZS 1067:2016 safety standards, giving you confidence whether you’re at the beach, on the water, at a festival, or exploring the great outdoors.
What We Stand For
✔ Quality products designed for New Zealand conditions
✔ Sustainable materials and responsible sourcing
✔ Affordable prices without compromising on style
✔ Friendly, personal service from a family-run business
✔ Bringing colour, adventure, and good vibes wherever we go
Whether you’re chasing summer, heading to a festival, exploring the coastline, or simply enjoying a day outdoors, Electric Pukeko is 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 Kiwi couple who have swapped Hawke’s Bay for sunny North Canterbury as they pursue their vision of creating a vibrant, year-round lifestyle brand inspired by the best of New Zealand summers.
As a small family business, Andrew and Jess are involved in every part of the journey. From supplying retailers and managing the online store to coordinating custom orders and bringing Electric Pukeko to life at festivals and events around the country, they’re hands-on in everything they do.
During the quieter winter months, they travel to China to work directly with their manufacturing partners, ensuring every product meets their high standards for quality and sustainability. They also spend time exploring Europe, drawing inspiration from international fashion trends, colours, fabrics, and fresh ideas that help shape future collections.
When they’re not travelling or working events, family time comes first. You’ll often find them exploring Aotearoa by motorhome, discovering hidden beaches, enjoying the outdoors, and making the most of everything New Zealand has to offer.
Every experience along the way — from international sourcing trips to summer festivals across the country — fuels their passion for creating quality products, building genuine customer relationships, and delivering a brand that reflects the relaxed, colourful lifestyle they love.
Thanks for supporting our small Kiwi business.
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 manufacturing partners who share our values and commitment to ethical workplace practices. Their employees are paid fair living wages, work reasonable hours, and enjoy regular time off to spend with their families.
Over the past 16 years, we’ve built strong relationships with our suppliers based on trust, respect, and open communication. What started as business partnerships have grown into genuine friendships, making every visit feel more like catching up with extended family than attending a factory meeting.
Each year, we travel to China to collaborate closely with our production partners, develop new products, and oversee the manufacturing process firsthand. These trips are one of the highlights of our year and play an important role in maintaining the quality, consistency, and innovation that Electric Pukeko is known for.
Beyond business, we’ve developed a deep appreciation for China’s rich culture, history, language, and incredible food. Every visit gives us the opportunity to explore a different region, experience local traditions, and gain fresh inspiration that often finds its way into our designs and collections.
Some of our favourite memories have come from sharing these experiences with family. We’ve been fortunate enough to take both sets of our parents on sourcing trips and holidays, creating unforgettable memories together. More recently, we introduced the next generation of Electric Pukeko when our son Leo joined us on his very first China adventure. Seeing the culture, people, and traditions through his eyes was a truly special experience.
These relationships and shared experiences remind us that every product has a story behind it — one built on craftsmanship, cultural connection, and the people who help bring our ideas to life.
For us, creating great products isn’t just about design; it’s about fostering meaningful partnerships and ensuring every item reflects the care, quality, and values that define Electric Pukeko.
