Tai Kehu

Re-introducing TAI KEHU, a signature collection led by indigenous pro-surfer Kehu Butler, with Quiksilver continuing its collaboration with one of Aotearoa’s most exciting surfers and cultural voices.

Now older, married and a father to a young son, Kehu’s connection to the ocean, his culture and his whakapapa continues to evolve. Born and raised in Tauranga Moana and of Ngāti Rangi descent, Kehu has been part of the Quiksilver family since joining the brand at just nine years old.

What began as a relationship between a young surfer and a surf brand has grown into a long-standing creative partnership, with TAI KEHU providing a platform for Kehu to share his connection to Te Ao Māori, the Moana and the generations that came before him.

The 2026 collection builds on the foundations of the original TAI KEHU projects, continuing to explore the relationship between the surfer, the ocean and the cultural knowledge carried through generations.

The collection features a series of distinctive patterns and artworks inspired by the Moana, surfing, strength, movement, resilience, navigation and connection. Together, the designs tell a story of Kehu’s relationship with the ocean and the cultural knowledge that continues to shape his journey.

As with previous TAI KEHU collections, the project has been developed with the guidance of respected tā moko artists Maia Gibbs and Henare Brooking of Toi Ake Māori Art Gallery in Tūranga-nui-a-Kiwa (Gisborne).

Their involvement ensures the collection continues to be developed with respect for Māori cultural knowledge, tikanga and the responsibilities that come with bringing these stories to a wider audience.

The creative direction remains centred around the dynamic relationship between wave rider and Moana, capturing the power, movement and energy of surfing while acknowledging the knowledge, stories and people that have shaped Kehu’s journey.

For Kehu, that journey has changed significantly since the first TAI KEHU collection. From a young surfer finding his place in the world, he is now a husband, father and established professional surfer, carrying the same connection to the Moana while looking towards what he can pass on to the next generation.

His ambition remains to inspire Māori youth through surfing and to help create a stronger connection between young people and the ocean.