Our Whakapapa
The story behind our name
The term Takoha was introduced to Kristian during his time at a Healing Aotearoa Wānanga, under the guidance of his Kaiako, Dion Freeman.
Takoha speaks to the sacred act of giving and receiving in balance—offering and receiving in equal measure, honouring the true value of the mahi exchanged.
Inspired by this concept, we knew it perfectly reflected the values we wanted to carry into our barbershop: holistic care, connection, and reciprocity.
Though we are not tangata whenua, we carry deep respect and love for the beauty and knowledge of Māori culture. Much of what we’ve learned through kaupapa Māori has shaped who we are and how we show up—for ourselves, our whānau, and our community.
Out of this respect, we formally sought permission to use the name Takoha Ora through Tracey Atiga, alongside Nigel and Kowhai of Te Ahiwaru – Waiohua Makaurau Marae Māori Trust. Nigel, the whenua representative for Māngere Bridge, and Kowhai, the whenua representative for Māngere, are the local kaitiaki of the area. Their guidance and blessing have affirmed our intention to carry the name with integrity, honouring its whakapapa and ensuring that the values behind it are upheld in everything we do.
Whakapapa of Our Logo
In honouring Māori tikanga and the sacred rights of design, we engaged tā moko artist Ben Thompson to create a symbol that speaks to the kaupapa of Takoha Ora. The pattern at the core of our logo is Pakura – a design that represents external growth, the reaching outward of one’s potential, and the ripple effect of positive impact.
The colour palette – green and purple – revealed itself during a honohono (energy healing) breathwork session. In that space, spirals of colour flowed in harmony — green symbolising the heart space: generosity, compassion, and life force. Purple reflects clarity, awareness, and depth of thought — a reminder to remain grounded while staying connected to insight and purpose.
Together, they embody the principle of reciprocity — the flow of giving and receiving, mana for mana, which sits at the heart of everything we do.
Our logo is more than a design — it is a living tohu (symbol), reflecting our commitment to holistic service, growth, and exchange.
📸 “The Day It Became Real” 07.12.24 — Community, Cuts & Commitment
This photo was taken just after signing the lease for what would become Takoha Ora Barbers. Joined by Kris, Lipe, Jazz, some of our Next Gen barbers, and 2024 Cut Above students, we stood together at a community event hosted by Raukura Hauora O Tainui in collab with Cut Above Academy, offering free haircuts for whānau.
The timing couldn’t have been more aligned — giving back to the community the same day we stepped into our kaupapa. This image represents the heart of Takoha Ora: service, unity, and stepping forward together with intention.
Kaupapa
Our founders
Takoha Ora Barbers was founded by Kristian Charles Teio-Miller, and Filipe Naulu.
Two cuzzie’s. One shared vision - to create a space where education is led by nurture, growth, and holistic well-being.
Together, we bring over 30 years of combined experience in the barbering industry.
Kristian has a strong background in barber education & holistic health, having tutored and mentored over 100 students. He’s known by many as a “barber uncle,” uplifting the next generation.
Filipe, a proud father of seven, began his barbering journey in Inala, Brisbane, Australia. He now calls Auckland home, where he’s spent the past two years deepening his cultural connection and building a future for his whānau.
We dreamed of a space where new barbers and seasoned professionals could grow—not just in skill, but in their own well-being.
We believe every journey starts within.
The mahi we do for our own well-being—our “innergy”—flows outward to those we serve.
Together, our lived experiences—both in life and behind the chair—shape the kaupapa of Takoha Ora: a place where growth is nurtured, community is strengthened, and every exchange leaves you better than before.