https://www.craftdesign.co.nz/work-forte daily 1.0 2025-11-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/553457bde4b0166f27f0424b/1472093444640-QS9WWDBMYNAV2QEFOQJH/Single_white.jpg Projects - AKARUA Located in the world's southernmost winemaking region Central Otago, New Zealand, Akarua (which translates 'two vines' in Maori) has an international reputation for producing stunning, award winning wines. Based on a strong, contrasting black and white base palette – black referencing the dark grapes of the Pinot Noir, white the Methode Traditionelle – a collage was created drawing on the natural elements unique to the region and the wines. At the heart of Akarua lies the emblematic Mountain Daisy, Celmisia Semicordata, a symbol that fragile beauty is still achievable in harsh climates. The delicate collage design alludes to this story of beauty and delicacy found in the ever changing Central Otago terrior and the wines of Akarua. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/553457bde4b0166f27f0424b/1481779199710-W0MSY03GDT5B7NDVS43C/Akarua7.jpg Projects - AKARUA WINES & KITCHEN BY ARTISAN Historic Walnut Cottage, situated between Lake Hayes and Arrowtown and built in 1870, is the new home of Akarua Wines and Kitchen by Artisan. CRAFT created a brand identity for the new winery, restaurant and cellar door which rolled out across online media, signage, wine list, menu's and business cards. We know where we will be spending our summer afternoons... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/553457bde4b0166f27f0424b/1511134572373-35SWCVVUHNLIAB5A79WX/DSC01976.jpg Projects - FAN-TAN KITCHEN & BAR A game long played in China, Fan-Tan is played on a quadrant with beans or pebbles. From the mid 1860’s Chinese miners brought their own gambling games to the goldfields of Central Otago. They also brought with them the flavours of home, growing market gardens and selling their fresh, seasonal produce. This rich, unique local history provided the inspiration for CRAFT to devise a name and brand strategy for the newest member of the Arrowtown group of restaurants and bars that include the renowned Saffron and Blue Door. The over-arching 'East meets West' fusion concept informed everything from brand identity, menu's, signage, uniforms and serviceware to the interior fit-out via colour palettes, materials which include timbers, schist and aged corten steel, feature lighting and Asian-European antique art and objects. Photography: Julian Apse https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/553457bde4b0166f27f0424b/1534214197728-3SKF7ATQ6P6KGJ1LC4WE/Akarua-Shot+1-035_RTWeb.jpg Projects - A blood moon, an extraordinary vintage... On January 31st 2018 an extremely rare lunar event occurred, a super blue blood moon…the last seen in 152 years. An extraordinary vintage followed, inspiring Akarua to create something heavenly – a reminder of the profound effect of the moon. Pinot Rouge is a first release Pinot Noir by Akarua from their home vineyard in Bannockburn, Central Otago. Hand-harvested and bottled early with the energy of fermentation sealed preciously inside. Broody, edgy, drinking like a lush winter rosé…a rare wine of the earth, moon and stars. • Creative Director / Designer: Nikki Apse Photography: Paul Green https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/553457bde4b0166f27f0424b/1566952199947-KAAH06739QJAF29WZ4AJ/Awawhiti+rocks.jpg Projects - AWAWHITI Awawhiti, meaning chiefly river, is a tribute to the magnificent Central Otago terroir which is shaped and defined in no small part by the mighty rivers that flow down from the snow capped mountains of the high country giving succour to the vineyards as they run past on their way to the sea. The lines characterising the typography evoke the rivers that flow through the valleys, acting as both heat reservoirs and cooling agents in the valleys they have carved over thousands of years, helping produce exceptional wines with balance, structure and terrior. The lineations also pay homage to the most distinctive features of Maori imagery: curvilinear designs as depicted in moko (tattooing), kowhaiwhai (rafter patterns), and whakairo (carving). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/553457bde4b0166f27f0424b/1562570575629-Y6PZX91SIMXJ7S2TV6EL/Situ_logo_byline+WHITE.jpg Projects https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/553457bde4b0166f27f0424b/1584052472015-PD18GKR64BBYZM8AVR9N/EH+Brand+Hero.jpg Projects - EDMUND HILLARY Edmund Hillary, along with his climbing partner Tenzing Norgay, became the first to climb the world's highest mountain. Their ascent of Everest on 29 May, 1953 was one of the greatest achievements of the 20th century. Edmund Hillary is a global premium lifestyle clothing label – inspired by Edmund Hillary and his climb on the 1953 Mt Everest Expedition. Like the 1953 expedition, the Edmund Hillary Collection is a collaboration between New Zealand, Great Britain and Nepal. We have been inspired working with the Edmund Hillary team & family on brand strategy, design communications, digital & social media, global marketing & PR initiatives, concepting & art directing the new womenswear range launched in 2019, along with creating comprehensive brand guidelines detailing the expression of the Edmund Hillary brand. “It’s not the mountain we conquer but ourselves” Sir Edmund Hillary . Photographer: Julian Apse Heritage photographs: The Hillary Family archive PR: The PR Department Brand & Clothing Design: Goose London https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/553457bde4b0166f27f0424b/1587440665993-7HLQT5H5NB2UM69QMRBH/QMC+Image+hero.jpg Projects - Queenstown Medical Centre Queenstown Medical Centre has been providing healthcare to the Wakatipu community for over 25 years. Reviewing their vision, mission and values and recognising the need to refresh their brand, QMC engaged CRAFT to create a new brand identity and brand architecture comprising an over-arching Queenstown Medical Centre logo, clinic logo’s and sub brands for specialist services. The foundation of the new brand identity is the cross – one of the most internationally recognised medical symbols. The design also references The Star of Life – a widely used symbol of medical care. A secondary element in the design is a snowflake pictogram, symbolising the landscape, climate and seasonal nature of Queenstown. Seasons also play a part in community health and well being. QMC’s vision is to support everyone towards better health. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/553457bde4b0166f27f0424b/1572589807787-1I4SU87JQ0ZF07NJU8M8/_A9W7927.jpg Projects - AOSTA Aosta, In the North of Italy, is an alpine valley with a defined four seasons, flora, fauna and soils very similar to Central Otago. Aosta and Central Otago both lie on the 45th parallel north, and the synergies between the regions terroirs are striking. Brainchild of Michael Hill and acclaimed chef Ben Bayly, the cuisine of Aosta is inspired by the cooking techniques of Northern Italy, paired with ingredients carefully selected from growers, breeders, suppliers and wine grown on the land of Central Otago. CRAFT conceived the Aosta brand identity and typography, expressed across brass facade signage, menu design and restaurant collateral. Interior design by Anna-Marie Chin Architects https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/553457bde4b0166f27f0424b/1594605450264-GJKF5CAHTVIIIO14ARPL/25+Pinot+1.jpg Projects - 25 STEPS An ancient glacial slope carved with 800m long terraces, two rows of vines per step, a 120m elevation change, aspects facing the four points of the compass and a wild mix of pinot noir clones from Pommard and Dijon make up the nine hectare single vineyard called “Twenty-Five Steps”. An ‘Alice in Wonderland’ vineyard with surprises around every corner… The divinely straw coloured Rosé and lively Pinot Noir are available at Akarua’s Cellar Door and selected restaurants. Brand identity & label design by CRAFT Illustration by Zoe Gillett https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/553457bde4b0166f27f0424b/1605815170093-3FEF83EKLB0ZP9U10X3D/The+Lost+Rabbit+LOST.jpg Projects https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/553457bde4b0166f27f0424b/1605812879182-J9G1BNIIWABWA8HEZYOA/Pata+X+KS+Packaging_above.jpg Projects - KATE SYLVESTER X PATAGONIA When two of the best names in New Zealand fashion and chocolates collide. CRAFT worked with the team at Kate Sylvester to create a packaging design for a boutique selection of deliciously handcrafted chocolates, wrapped in an exclusive Kate Sylvester print. The collaboration between Kate Sylvester and Patagonia Chocolates captures a shared love of the artisanal and New Zealand made, imbued with an experimental spirit. Launched with the Kate Sylvester Spring/Summer20 Exploding Woman collection. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/553457bde4b0166f27f0424b/1605821324942-OR8YV3HVS6W4SJBQCHR0/Screen+Shot+2020-11-20+at+10.14.27.png Projects - WINTER GAMES NZ “You get served lemons, you might as well make lemonade"… Unlike other major events in New Zealand, which pulled the pin almost as soon as Covid-19 made its unwelcome entry to our shores, Winter Games NZ CEO Marty Toomey and his team decided to sit tight and think on their feet. CRAFT was invited to work with Winter Games NZ on events brand strategy and brand architecture across four international alpine events starting with the Obsidian – a new event for the 2020 games, New Zealand’s biggest snowsports event for 2020 and what will become a fixture of the normal international games programme in the future. More excitement coming in 2021 as new event brands roll out…keep your eyes peeled and your ski’s waxed… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/553457bde4b0166f27f0424b/1750719079417-KLIINATP8Q3YQYBYQX14/Bella+Luce+1.jpg Projects https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/553457bde4b0166f27f0424b/1749006683174-ZSXISRGNVZL8SSU9FO3E/The+Mill+High+Contrast+1.png Projects https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/553457bde4b0166f27f0424b/1430354449042-856P0PCLVF7CMSPCO9AV/Logo_tropical.jpg Projects https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/553457bde4b0166f27f0424b/1430619268791-EAEB67CN939CEJ8Y2PZY/_DSC0510.jpg Projects Triple Star is a Queenstown based company providing comprehensive project management that includes construction of environmentally sustainable designs, alpine resorts, high-end homes, retail, industrial buildings and hospitals. A company profile was designed to showcase projects and document key capabilities. Print finishes employing silver foil and stitch binding reference quality, detail and craftmanship central to Triple Star brand values, service, product design and delivery. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/553457bde4b0166f27f0424b/1430641685006-P0BJS3ANDICER6L9MTFN/Logo.jpg Projects https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/553457bde4b0166f27f0424b/1430643445716-5K2JR92O19VCM1Q9414W/IMG_0550_2.jpg Projects https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/553457bde4b0166f27f0424b/1429505433605-KYP4E7P6XQBQ5M9DXOJP/APS_6501.jpg Projects The opening of Patagonia Chocolates new store and café at Queenstown airport saw the integration of an entirely new product offering of the savoury variety – a fresh food kitchen, deli and pizzeria. CRAFT was engaged to create a name and brand identity for the new 'savoury corner' and work closely with the team of architects, lighting and furniture designers on the store fit out. The challenge was integrating Savoury Corner into one open plan space, ‘holding hands’ with Patagonia Chocolates whilst retaining a degree of separation both physically and by association. This was achieved through spacial design, lighting, signage, interior finishes and materials which employed pale plywood, white tiles and fresh green for Savoury Corner and a dark oak, rich brown and black palette for Patagonia Chocolates.   https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/553457bde4b0166f27f0424b/1430275004893-TKM2ROH3369X3TC8VFSN/Wall_mockup.jpg Projects A multi-award winning wellness retreat overlooking Lake Wakatipu in the Southern Alps of New Zealand, Aro Hā fuses advanced eco accommodation, permaculture based self-sufficiency and world-class wellness programmes. CRAFT was commissioned to create a series of typographic lightbox installations for guest accommodation capturing fundamental elements of nature and our place in it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/553457bde4b0166f27f0424b/1429508142228-M2BP98G5REPL9UFLC8B3/Bonbons_14pack.jpg Projects In 2012 Patagonia Chocolates engaged CRAFT to implement brand strategy and a creative platform from which to launch marketing, design communications and new product initiatives. Key to the brief was communicating the premium, handcrafted tradition of the products and the use of the finest, natural ingredients from New Zealand and around the world. The design also needed to portray the passion and dedication to craft of the chocolatier – a value at the heart of Patagonia Chocolates. Packaging has been, and continues to be, a design focus with the development of take away coffee and ice cream cups, coffee bags upcycled from hessian coffee bean sacks and customised boxes for a range of handmade chocolates sold in their stores and selected deli's and luxury hotels and lodges around New Zealand.   https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/553457bde4b0166f27f0424b/1430699833862-2CGW2QJGWTPJD4NHFBX3/Patagonia_icecreamCups.jpg Projects Packaging design, art direction and photo styling capturing the rainbow of natural flavours in the award winning Patagonia ice cream and sorbet range. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/553457bde4b0166f27f0424b/1430706176142-FT3UYRTB8EASLOR4JT0Y/Assembly_med.jpg Projects Didot set in brushed gold. Enough said. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/553457bde4b0166f27f0424b/1434074497074-O5PRE16ZFM0BN9H5FDVL/Ziki_illustration.jpg Projects Bottled at source in New Zealand's Bay of Plenty, Ziki water is drawn from the highest quality water source in the country and targeted exclusively at the Chinese children's beverage market. A character was created – Ziki the lovable water dragon – that uniquely blends the product's Kiwi origins with Chinese art and culture in a delightful and engaging way. The design is inspired by Chinese Ming period blue and white ceramic art, the blue harmoniously evoking the pure waters of New Zealand. Illustration by Beck Wheeler. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/553457bde4b0166f27f0424b/1441673456809-NRNDUP8C5BNA0C4977Q0/IW_card1-lr.jpg Projects New stationery for interior design company, Interior Workroom. Matt white foil on Muda box board. Crisp and cool as a cucumber. Thanks Valley Print. https://www.craftdesign.co.nz/contact-1 daily 0.75 2017-09-07 https://www.craftdesign.co.nz/about daily 0.75 2019-06-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/553457bde4b0166f27f0424b/1560818577900-FSOE0WYK9DGUB9PY5VI3/_DSC1581_cropB%26W.jpg About