Hillcrest High School alumnus Mokonuiarangi (Moko) Smith is making waves in the art and fashion world, blending tradition with modern style in an exciting new project.
The talented tā moko artist has once again partnered with Specsavers to design a limited-edition eyewear collection that not only celebrates Māori and Pacific culture but also supports a vital cause—ending avoidable blindness in the Pacific.
Inspired by the deep ancestral significance of pounamu, Moko’s eyewear designs feature green variegated tortoise acetate that mirrors the stone’s unique flecked inclusions. The frames, along with an exclusive case and lens cloth, showcase the Ara Moana pattern, symbolising the journeys of Māori ancestors who first settled Aotearoa. Notching on the temples pays tribute to past and future generations, reinforcing a strong cultural connection.
This partnership is more than just about fashion—it’s about giving back. With each pair sold, $25 is donated to The Fred Hollows Foundation NZ, contributing to their goal of raising $60,000 this year. Since 2002, the foundation has been dedicated to restoring sight and providing essential eye care across the Pacific, where some of the highest rates of avoidable blindness exist. Last year alone, they facilitated over 80,000 consultations, 6,000 eye surgeries, and distributed more than 10,000 glasses.
For Moko, this project is a personal expression of heritage, identity, and social responsibility. His journey as an artist has been deeply rooted in keeping traditional Māori tattooing tools and techniques alive, and now, through this eyewear collaboration, he extends his craft into the realm of fashion and health.
Hillcrest High School is proud to celebrate Moko’s achievements and his dedication to both artistic excellence and community well-being. His work is a testament to the power of combining creativity with purpose, ensuring that culture, heritage, and vision remain clear for future generations.
You can check out more of Moko’s work here
