Troy Renata-Paul is part of Manukau City Baptist Church and co-founder of Verty’s, an ethical streetwear brand focusing on sustainability and community partnership.
A bit about me and where I fit in te ao Iriiri (the Baptist world)
I have been involved in the youth space within the Baptist movement since 2012, both in a voluntary capacity and where I have been employed as a youth pastor.
There are many aspects of youth ministry that I love, and one of those is youth merch!! I’ve always loved the pre-Easter camp buildup where youth pastors around Aotearoa are thinking (and praying?) about what their merch will look like and how it will rep their youth communities. And then they show up and look awesome!
Launching an ethical streetwear brand
I have always had a passion for designing and creating cool merch and always wanted to start a streetwear brand. After years of dreaming, I finally launched my ethical streetwear brand, Verty’s, in 2022.
The name Verty’s comes from a style of skateboarding that I enjoy called ‘vert’ skating. I love action sports, and in particular, I love to skate and snowboard. I wanted to make merch for those types of occasions. Verty’s is also a nod to our vertical relationship with God and about keeping on looking up even when times are tough.
Verty’s streetwear is all about embracing creativity and making rad streetwear that is good for people and the planet. Our kaupapa is around sustainability and making sure all our garments are ethical.
We also endeavour to partner with other young local creatives to bring our ideas to life. Our unique hats are made locally here in Aotearoa out of clearance and dead stock fabrics that would otherwise be destined for the bin.
This year, I have also launched Verty’s Media & Design. This is all about bringing people’s creative ideas to life through creative design and capturing special moments for people with fun, memorable photoshoots. I love creating unique quality merch for people, and this is how I connected with Ngāi Iriiri Māori.
Ngāi Iriiri Māori merch inspiration
I was approached by Te Hahi Iriiri Hauhake O Aotearoa Charitable Trust to design and make up some merch that represents Māori in the Baptist context. I love this; I’m very passionate about my faith and culture. I have created three designs for them to represent different aspects of the trust.
The Ngāi Iriiri Māori design is inspired by a mountain stream. In Scripture, we see people connect with God on mountains, and our whenua is full of stunning mountains. Mountains are special places for Māori; they connect us to our turangawaewae. They are also places of vision, outlook and worship. We read in Psalms about ascending the hill of the Lord, referring to going up to meet with Him. So the mountain speaks to encountering God face to face as Moses did. The stream, which is represented with the poutama design, speaks to God’s living water, Wairua Tapu, flowing throughout our movement.
Secondly, the Hauhake design is based on the translation ‘Harvest’. And every mara (garden) starts with a ko (spade-like tool), which cultivates and prepares the ground to ensure an abundant harvest.
Lastly, the Tātua design is based on a word that speaks to a traditional practice of moko tātua (a tattoo that wraps around the waist like a belt). It was for Tohunga (Māori prophets), but as Iriiri Māori, we believe in the fellowship of believers; we are all connected to God and each other and walk in different gifts. This design is a beautiful representation of our faith and our heart for God and His Kingdom.
How to order!
We have hoodies and tees available with unique designs that reflect and unite us as Māori followers of Christ in the Baptist context.
Check out what’s on offer and pre-order before June 16
Pick-up will be available at our Hui ā Māori (4–6 July 2025)
or from the Baptist National Support Centre after Hui
To order, go to vertysworld.com/maori
Photos: From vertysworld.com
