News & Press

From the shores of Aotearoa to the world: our latest features, awards, and community milestones.

Media & Awards

We are honoured to have our journey shared by leading publications and recognised by our peers. These accolades reflect our commitment to excellence, our community, and the art of Pasifika storytelling.

• Winner: People’s Choice Award – Pacific Business Trust Awards 2025. A moment of immense pride for our brand, as this award was voted for by our community. It represents the deep connection and trust we share with those who wear our pieces.

• Runner-Up: People’s Choice (South & East Auckland) – 2degrees Auckland Business Awards 2024. A celebration of our local roots and the incredible support we receive from our home base in Auckland. By only 20 votes guys! We almost did it guys but unfortunately we were peeped right at the end. But second is huge for our two person business (imagine what we could have done if we had more people on our team, more brand awareness, more retail stockists, more reach)!

• Featured Exhibitor – The Spring & Gift Fair 2025. Showcasing our newest collections to the industry and setting the stage for the future of Pacific luxury.

New Collection: The Reflections Range
We are incredibly proud to announce the launch of our newest collection: The Reflections Range. Crafted in high-quality sterling silver, this range represents a bold, modern evolution of Pasifika design.
Each piece is a statement of identity—bold silhouettes that hold fast to our heritage, our home, and the ancestors who walked before us. Reflections is more than just jewellery; it is a mirror to our past and a beacon for our future. Discover the strength and brilliance of these new designs online now.

International Showcases: Maketi Moana Sydney
In 2025, we officially introduced Danika Cooper Jewellery to Australia, attending two Maketi Moana events in Sydney May and December.
Taking our designs across the Moana allowed us to connect with a vibrant community who shares our deep affinity for Pacific heritage. We were overwhelmed by the 'alofa' and support from our Sydney family, marking a significant milestone in our journey toward becoming a global Pacific brand.

Mentoring the Future: The YES Programme
Commitment to our community goes beyond the studio. Danika was recently honoured to serve as a Judge for the Young Enterprise Scheme (YES).
Being on the judging panel for these talented young entrepreneurs allowed us to see firsthand the innovation and passion of the next generation. We are dedicated to supporting young business minds—particularly within the Pacific community—as they navigate their own paths toward excellence.

Collaborative Success & Major Pop-Ups
2025 has been a year of powerful partnerships. In collaboration with PELE, we co-founded The Pacific Collective, a movement dedicated to elevating Pacific-led brands through shared vision and indigenous excellence.
Following this collaboration, we were offered a featured showcase at Westfield Manukau over the Christmas period. This pop-up was a massive success, bringing our handcrafted pearls and the new Reflections range to the heart of South Auckland during the festive season.

Industry Leadership: Ringa Hora
We continue our advocacy work as active members of the Pacific Advisory Group through Ringa Hora (the Services Workforce Development Council). By contributing to this group, we ensure that Pacific voices and cultural perspectives are represented at the highest levels of vocational education and the creative workforce in Aotearoa.

New Places to Find Us
Our community is growing! Experience our collections in person at our newest partners.

Pacific Jewell - Apia Samoa

HAPA - Christchurch

Te Papa Store - Wellington

Pop up Lower Hutt October 2023

Thank you to everyone who attended our recent pop up at the Lagi Store in Lower Hutt. You guys were absolutely amazing and we cant wait to be back to see you all again soon! Keep an eye on our socials for info about our next pop up events and their locations.

Retail NZ - Small Businesses vs COVID

We are so honoured to have been selected to share our experiences around being a small business faced with COVID.

Click the video link below to watch our video:

https://youtube.com/shorts/0PlKIxEzs3s?feature=share

15 Sept 2021 - Manaaki U - Danika Cooper Jewellery

WE WON PEOPLE'S CHOICE FOR MANAAKI U, WOOHOO! Check out our application pitches below! We loved the experience and are now working with Manaaki to boost Danika Cooper Jewellery to the next level! Thank you to everyone who voted for us and joined us on this amazing journey!

13 Dec 2019 - Tagata Pasifika - Danika Cooper Jewellery

While some of you might be turning to the big-time jewellery chain stores for your last-minute Christmas gifts, you might want to consider this. Danika Cooper Jewellery is an Auckland start-up featuring a piece of Pasifika as its centrepiece. Alice Lolohea met the couple behind the jewels.

Director & Editor - Alice Lolohea

Camera and Sound Operator - Christo Montes

Thank you to the New Zealand School of Arts and Fashion, formerly Peter Minturn Goldsmithing School, for allowing us to use the Epsom Campus for our workshop filming.

19 Aug 2019 - Coconet TV - Danika Cooper Jewellery

Danika Cooper & Tumua Tuifao share how they got into jewellery making and how they were able to turn the passion for what they love doing into a business.

Director & Editor - Sapati Apa

Camera Operator - Fa'anati Mamea & Ben Raela

Sound Operator - Sefa Taouma

Thank you to the Pacific Business Hub, Manukau

14 May 2019 - 2019 WE Summit - Danika Cooper Jewellery