About Us

Ours is a very New Zealand story.

It began back in 1979 with a sharp eye, an entrepreneurial spirit, and a belief that something special could be built right here in Aotearoa. While in America, Rob Carter, Matt’s father, noticed that pāua pieces for costume jewellery were highly sought after. He talked to others about the opportunity, but no one was interested. So, true to form, he decided to do it himself.

That decision sparked the beginning of what would become a proudly New Zealand manufacturing business built on hard work, creativity, and family.

Not long after, Rob and his son Matt travelled to Stewart Island to source pāua shell. One of the divers suggested Matt stay on and learn the trade properly. He did exactly that, spending two years there learning everything he could about pāua and the industry around it. Matt reckons it was like getting a degree in all things pāua — and a whole lot more besides.

When he came home, he and Rob set up machinery in the chicken shed behind the family house and got to work cutting pāua shell cabochons — precision-cut shapes used in jewellery and giftware. The plan had always been to build the business together. Rob brought the business brain, Matt brought the hands-on knowledge and practical skill, and both brought passion, determination, and a genuine love for what they were creating.

From those humble beginnings, the business grew into something much bigger.

Over the years, that same spirit has continued to shape everything we do. Today, our brands include Beachcomber, Sticky Kiwi, Matt’s Metal Cuts, and Kia Ora Jewellery — a collection of ranges that reflect our love of New Zealand and our passion for products people love to wear, gift, and enjoy.

At the heart of it all is a deep love for this country. The blue skies, beaches, forests, coastline, natural materials, and character of New Zealand have always been part of the inspiration. For Matt, there is something incredibly satisfying about bringing those two passions together — New Zealand and manufacturing — and turning them into products that are beautiful, meaningful, and made with care.

That commitment to making things here still matters enormously.
Matt is proud of everything the business has achieved over the years, but most of all, in a world where so much has moved offshore, he is proud that this type of manufacturing business is still here in New Zealand. That is no small thing. In fact, it is becoming as rare as the kiwi.

It has not always been easy. The business has weathered global financial crises, COVID, policy changes, and plenty of other disruptions over the years. There have been hard seasons, big decisions, and moments where the future would have felt anything but certain. Through it all, the family has kept backing the business, backing the team, and finding a way forward. That resilience is part of this story too, and it is something worth celebrating.

Family has always been central to the journey.

Rosie, Matt’s wife, has long been an integral part of the business. As a director and the driving force behind the much-loved Paua World retail store in Carterton, Rosie helped create a destination that welcomed tens of thousands of visitors over the years. When COVID forced the closure of the store, it was heartbreaking. But it also opened the door for Rosie to spend more time with her grandchildren and pursue her love of art and travel. While the store did not reopen, Rosie remains deeply involved in the business — as a director, a sounding board, and a key part of conversations around strategy, growth, reinvestment, and product direction.

One example of Matt and Rosie’s long-term commitment to the business has been their investment in sustainability, including running the factory on solar power. It has been a meaningful step forward, helping reduce the business’s footprint and supporting a more sustainable future.

And while Rob is no longer here, his presence is still felt every day.

Matt still carries the excitement of those early years — the joy of creating something from scratch, the pride of building a business with his dad, and the satisfaction of making products that celebrate New Zealand and bring joy to others. He often remembers Rob saying that they should never forget the enjoyment a product brings to the person who buys it, or to the person receiving it as a gift. That thinking still guides the business today.

We want people to know that whatever they buy from us has been made with care, quality, and passion.

That has never changed.

Neither has the drive to keep creating, keep improving, and keep finding better ways to make great products here in New Zealand. From innovative machinery and new technology through to more sustainable practices in the factory, the business continues to evolve while staying true to what matters most.

We are proud of what we make.

We are proud of where we make it.

And we are proud that, after all these years, the passion that started in a chicken shed is still going strong.