Our Journey
Chicha was born from a deep connection to Peruvian heritage - and a trip back to Peru that changed everything.
During a visit to a small market in the Andes, we discovered the handmade jumpers of an artisan named Analy. Her creations, bursting with bold colours and patterns inspired by rural Peruvian life, stopped us in our tracks. We knew we had to bring them home to New Zealand.
Through her craft, Analy employs 15 rural women in Peru who hand stitch every jumper using a traditional technique called arpillería. Each piece is completely unique — no two are ever the same.
Chicha is based in Manapouri, Fiordland - one of the most remote and beautiful corners of Aotearoa New Zealand. We ship handmade Peruvian knitwear free to families across NZ, from Auckland to Invercargill and everywhere in between.
Our motivation is simple: to connect our family to our Peruvian roots, and to improve the lives of the artisan women we work with.
Thank you for being here.
Diana Keith, Founder - Chicha NZ
Our Name
Where did the name "Chicha" come from? It's inspired by a vibrant, traditional drink from Latin America made from purple corn and shared during celebrations.
And "Chicha Culture" is a celebration of identity, resilience, and pure joy that bursts with bright colours, patterns, and creativity. It's a celebration of identity and resilience, born from a rich blend of traditions and the powerful stories of migration.
Just as Chicha brings families together, we believe childhood should be warm, genuine, and full of creative, colourful joy. It’s a name that evokes comfort, heritage, and genuine fun, all woven into our woolly treasures.
Our Mission
Our mission is to inspire joy and imagination in children with ethically made clothing that celebrates multiculturalism and the pure spirit of play.
More than that, we believe clothing can be a force for good. That's why with every Chicha piece sold in New Zealand, we're committed to improving the lives of the artisans and their families in Peru.
They're made from soft, durable wool, they're machine washable, and they make the most unforgettable handmade gift for any child - we've yet to meet a child whose face doesn't light up when they unwrap one of these woolly treasures.