Celebrating Rawinia Rimene’s Impact in Wellington
Leading With Indigenous Beauty and Pride
Rawinia Rimene, the inspiring founder and CEO of Girl Native, is transforming the beauty scene from the heart of Wellington. Her Māori-inspired skincare line has taken the world by storm — featured in British Vogue, Glamour UK, and more. As a result, in 2023, she was named one of the 10 most empowering businesswomen by Time Iconic Magazine.
From Local Roots to Global Recognition
Born in Wellington and raised in Ōpōtiki, Rawinia’s story is deeply rooted in Māori culture. From the beginning, she embraced her heritage through Kohanga Reo in Te Whanganui-a-Tara. Later, after moving north, she continued her education with the same cultural strength. Despite the heartbreaking loss of her mother, Rawinia remained determined.
Eventually, she returned to Wellington as a teen and attended Wellington East Girls’ College. After that, she pursued business and project management studies at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa in Porirua. It was during this time that the vision for Girl Native came to life.
Turning Passion Into Purpose in Wellington
Initially starting from her home in Wellington, Rawinia launched Girl Native, combining native ingredients with modern skincare. Soon, her products were being showcased at local markets across the Wellington region. Thanks to her authentic approach and bold creativity, her brand quickly gained recognition.
Furthermore, her leadership earned her a spot on an international tech trade delegation. Through that, she represented wāhine Māori in the UK and Europe, securing partnerships and even store deals in Paris. Consequently, she became a role model for young entrepreneurs everywhere.
A Legacy of Strength and Culture
Rawinia Rimene is not just building a business — she’s creating a legacy. By celebrating Māori values through beauty, she’s helping Wellington shine on a global stage. Indeed, her work shows that culture, pride, and entrepreneurship can thrive together.
We’re truly proud of her journey and her powerful impact — for Wellington, for Aotearoa, and for all indigenous voices.
