Our Story

Born from the Ocean, Rooted in Culture

Established in 1991 on the East Coast Beaches of Te Tairawhiti, Gisborne, New Zealand. Ngaru Toa heritage apparel was created for people with a passion for coastal living.

The NTA story begins with a love of the ocean, surfing, a touch of Maori ingenuity and a pioneering East Coast spirit. Founder Eddie Daly was just 24 years old when he was inspired to create his first T-shirt design using his skills learnt in high school art classes and surfboard spray designing.

The original "Eddie" design portrays a cultural mix of Maori inspired art with strong ocean warrior foundations this ultimately grew into Ngaru Toa 'Wave Warrior', the brand that exploded on to the Kiwi surf scene in the early 90's. Before long, Eddie was making shirts and hoodies for all of his surfing whanau 'family' and friends. NGARU TOA AOTEAROA a true East Coast NZ ocean icon was born!

A New Chapter

We would like to sincerely acknowledge and thank everyone who has been part of the Ngaru Toa journey over the years. Every person who supported the brand, shared its story, wore its designs, and believed in what it represented has helped shape its legacy.

After 27 years, Ngaru Toa Aotearoa has returned to its original founder, Eddie Daly.

With the support of whānau, Eddie and Clint are bringing NTA back to its roots while opening the door to a new generation.

What began with a vision born from the moana and shaped by whānau is now entering a new chapter, with fresh, contemporary collections that honour where we have come from while looking confidently toward where we are going.

The spirit remains the same.

The roots remain strong.
The whānau remains at the heart.
The journey continues.

Ngaru Toa Aotearoa ,  Kia Whānau Hou.