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Meet our small
but mighty team . . .
Based in the heart of Waikanae
Juli
Founder and Director
Creativity is the essence of who I am and have always been since childhood. A hunter, collector, & creator of clothing and materials - I am passionate about the transformation of any item and process of giving it a new life from start to finish.
My journey began with a deep dive into fashion, studying in Whanganui before honing my skills while with Starfish - renown Wellington clothing designer. After traveling and gaining new perspectives, I founded my own brand and am now based in Waikanae on the Kāpiti Coast, where our store, workroom, and studio come together in the heart of my creative process.
I’m always on the lookout for unique fabrics, buttons, and linens in garage sales and second-hand shops, with a passion for giving new life to preloved materials. Sustainability is at the core of my work — I specialise in recycling, upcycling, and saving textiles from landfill, using all these “found” materials to craft eco-friendly creations that are meant to be worn, used, and loved.
I’m proud to be a Living Wage employer, fostering a workplace that values both people and the planet.
Marion
Workroom Manager
With a mother who was a dress-maker and a grandmother who was a tailor, one could say Marion is continuing a family tradition. Originally from Wellington, at the age of just 15 she began a coveted apprenticeship with renown Wellington fashion designer Ashley Fogel at Ninon Modes. Marion eventually moved on to work for Roland Wimmers followed by work with Uta Griffon before deciding to work from home while raising her family.
Marion joined team at in early 2016. Coming from an established life-long passion for supporting made-in-New Zealand designs and clothing, Marion’s approach blends seamlessly with the eco-friendly philosophy here at Juli Hunter's!
Holly
Manufacturing Cutter
Holly is our manufacturing cutter. She expertly lays out fabrics and cuts them to our patterns so that each piece can be perfectly sewn together. Holly also makes squabs and cushion covers, alters curtains, and does everything of the like. Our small runs of clothing are also made by Holly, alongside curtains for our customers. She enjoys working with chunky pieces like upholstery and soft furnishing, as well as upcycling existing garments. Holly has been working with us for 9 years.
Robyn
Receptionist Extraordinaire
Robyn is best known for Hoodscarf, her small business that makes hooded scarves, beanies, and headbands from merino wool. She is also our receptionist extraordinaire. Robyn is usually the first person you’ll see when you walk in the door ready to greet you with a smile. She does fittings, answers every question, and does many odd jobs around the store like making brooches, unpicking seams, and finding matching buttons.
Robyn learned to sew as a child, then got a sewing machine and overlocker as a teenager then soon began making her own clothes. She studied fashion design at Massey University, before working at Levana Textiles for five years where she learnt about about knit fabrics and textile manufacturing. Today, Robyn cleverly juggles working with us, running her small business, and being a busy mum of two.
Leanna
Knitting Teacher
Leanna is my dear sister who is an incredibly skilled & experienced knitter! She began at the age of seven, taught by mum, and was already knitting from patterns, in her teenage years. When nieces, nephews, & children arrived, she eagerly embraced knitting for them, tackling more advanced techniques with intricate patterns & cabling
Over the years, Leana has honed her craft to create cherished heirloom pieces, such as baby blankets, cardigans, and jerseys, for her beloved grandchildren which keeps her busy throughout the year, creating something special for each new birthday. Leanna lives rurally on a slice of paradise in Horowhenua. When she's not busy running the IT business with her husband, you can find her creating the garden of her dreams and delving into the occasional crochet project on the side.
Emma
Leather Specialist & Accessories Artisan
Originally from the UK, Emma brings a unique blend of craftsmanship and creativity to her work. With a background in film, television, and theatrical costuming and props, she has a sharp eye for detail and design. Over the past two years working for Juli, Emma has concentrated further on specialising in leatherwork and accessories – she also has a deep passion for millinery: designing and handcrafting bespoke hats.
Sewing has been part of her life since childhood, with skills like saddlery repair passed down through generations from her mother and grandmother. Her work beautifully blends traditional techniques with artistic flair. Now based in Ōtaki, Emma enjoys repair, and restoration projects and regularly volunteers at the Ōtaki Repair Café, where she continues to share her love of craftsmanship with the local community.
Jenny
Embrodiery Teacher
The amazing Jenny of Blanket Stitch Co is our super talented Embroidery Teacher.
She's been a passionate crafter - primarily knitting and spinning, for many years, and started to do more embroidery about 6 years ago when she took a class from her talented stitcher daughter! She's been making and selling project bags and other craft accessories using mainly upcycled blankets and other fabrics paired with some gorgeous hand embroidery in a variety of designs inspired by NZ flora and fauna especially her local Waikanae surrounds. She sells them under the name Blanket Stitch Co, a name taken from her materials and a stitch she commonly uses.
Leanna
Knitting Teacher
Leanna is my dear sister who is an incredibly skilled & experienced knitter! She began at the age of seven, taught by mum, and was already knitting from patterns, in her teenage years. When nieces, nephews, & children arrived, she eagerly embraced knitting for them, tackling more advanced techniques with intricate patterns & cabling
Over the years, Leana has honed her craft to create cherished heirloom pieces for her beloved grandchildren which keeps her busy throughout the year, creating something special for each new birthday. Leanna lives rurally on a slice of paradise in Horowhenua. When she's not busy running the IT business with her husband, you can find her creating the garden of her dreams.
Jai
Marketing & Social media
Jai has had a diverse & varied career including nearly 20 years in the natural medicine sector where she began shortly after leaving school in the late 1980s holding various roles in marketing, sales & management. Her main challenge in early 2000 was to help integrate herbal medicine & supplements into mainstream pharmacy - bridging the gap between modern wellness & traditional healing.
More recently, while balancing the busy life of motherhood and working part-time for a local architectural practice, Jai joined our team earlier this year. She handles all things marketing, including social media, the website, as well as collaborating with Juli on business ideas & projects. Originally from New Plymouth, Jai has called Kāpiti home for the past 18 years where the relaxed lifestyle and sea views provide the ideal setting for both work and personal life.
Angela
In-house Model
Angela adds a whole lot of energy and style to our team. As one of our in-house models - along with Juli, she brings our clothing to life in the most natural, effortless way. Outside of the studio, she’s a successful real estate agent for Harcourts, Otaki with deep roots on the Kāpiti Coast, where she and her partner have raised their family and enjoy the best of rural living and community connection.
An award-winning sales professional with an entrepreneurial spirit, Angela blends professionalism with a down-to-earth attitude - a perfect fit for showcasing what we’re all about—style, authenticity, and a whole lot of passion.
Turtle
A very special rescue Dog
Turtle’s journey began in difficult circumstances—rescued from a puppy mill by the incredible team at HUHA. Her early life may have been challenging, but thanks to their care and dedication, she found her forever home with Juli, a passionate animal rights supporter.
Together, they’re a heartwarming example of how rescue changes lives—both human and animal. Juli continues to champion animal welfare causes, raising awareness about ethical treatment and giving rescued animals like Turtle a voice.
