Rakai Karaitiana is co-founder of Aroha & Friends whose work is influenced by early Maori Folk Art and native painted meeting houses. Being based on the eastern side of the North Island, these influences are visible from northern Hawke's Bay and further up the East Coast.

Rakai Karaitiana started screen printing inhouse and on location at festivals and events and has recently expanded into other printing practices including letterpress and yardage printing. The business and retail store have recently relocated to a larger premises which allows for a larger workshop and increased studio production.