NZ Chamber Board member DANNY TAUROA on starting his new clothing venture, dT GEAR

downTIME GEAR is the result of a ‘project’ I started to create some cool GEAR for me and my mates. A group of guys from Aotearoa New Zealand living in Singapore but fiercely determined to stay grounded in our Maori and Kiwi culture.

I wanted to create GEAR that is exclusive, comfortable, high quality, and starts conversations. The GEAR you want to wear during your downTIME - chilling, relaxing, cruising, socialising.

dT GEAR is an idea I’ve attempted to get off the ground a few times but I’ve never had the courage or belief to see it through. The COVID circuit breaker gave me time to commit to the idea and I convinced myself to give it a crack and see what happens. Drawing inspiration from listening to and speaking with Kiwi master baker and ultra-successful businessman Dean Brettschneider, the focus is on producing high-quality Limited Edition products and providing a personal touch with each purchase that creates a positive and memorable customer buying experience. 

What started as a hobby, has manifested into a passion to make GEAR carrying New Zealand branding that is easy to wear and stands out for its simplicity and uniqueness. GEAR to be worn by like-minded people across the globe, not just my group of mates.

I’ve tried to create designs that tell a story so you have a reason to buy the garment (apart from it just looking good). Our products are limited edition, with no more than 40 pieces of each design produced across all sizes. You are purchasing something unique when you buy any of the dT GEAR labels.

Within the dt GEAR range there are three distinctive labels appealing to all fashion flavours:

dT NATIVE - designs and styles unique to Aotearoa New Zealand that can be celebrated throughout the world.

dT ROOTS - influenced by reggae, rasta and Bob Marley, and founded in a melting pot of indigenous and contemporary cultures, spreading love, positivity, and good summer vibes.

dT STREET - that favourite old t-shirt brand with GEAR comfortable enough to chill 

in at home but with enough style to wear out on the street and look good.

dT GEAR provides a wide range of designs and styles for people of all ages. Our aim is to make dT GEAR accessible to all while maintaining the quality that will see it last and keep it exclusive.  We want you to feel part of a very small and special group of people around the world that own a unique piece of clothing.

Check out the website: www.dtgear.shop and follow us on Instagram: @dtgear_

Thanks for your support - nga mihi nui ki a koutou.

eventsmanager@nzchamber.org.sg