About us
Who is behind Ako Puzzles
Hi, my name is Sonja Kama, and I am a wife and a mother to two beautiful children. My interests include travelling with my family, long walks, park trips, bus rides with the kids, endless experimenting in the kitchen, writing, and puzzling with my children!
Why we love puzzles
Puzzles are a wonderful way for children to develop their fine motor skills. Ako Puzzles have been designed for children who are interested in learning about the people and world around them.
How our puzzles came about
When my daughter was a toddler, I quickly noticed that most commercially produced puzzles in Australia and New Zealand lack inclusive imagery that reflects the diverse people, places and wildlife in our region. I wanted my daughter, who is both Papua New Guinean and New Zealander, to grow up having access to educational toys and games that are inclusive and educational. This is how Ako Puzzles was born.
What does 'ako' mean
The Māori kupu/word, ako means to both teach and learn. I want the puzzles to be a tool that when used by both a child and an older person, can build a reciprocal educational relationship between both people.
Who we work with
I reached out to a puzzle manufacturer who was able to produce environmentally friendly, non-toxic puzzles (using recycled card) that will allow children of all ages to learn patience and grit. We have observed that young children prefer puzzles that are not too difficult. Our puzzles allow children to piece together a puzzle many times, before moving to more challenging puzzles, rather than being landed with a puzzle that is too difficult to begin with.
We have commissioned artists that believe in what we do, and share our vision in creating beautifully illustrated puzzles that showcase inclusive, recognisable images that our children, and others, will love.
Why buy our puzzles
- From very early on children can begin developing their fine motor skills with puzzle-pieces they will remember.
- Our uniquely illustrated puzzles are based on educational themes that are relevant to children.
- Extra thick and solid puzzle pieces make it easy for children to hold.
- Each puzzle piece is different and created with fun shapes, like animals and fruit figures. Children will recognise the shapes and will look for the pieces with the right shapes rather than just looking at a picture.
- The cardboard frame helps small hands placing the pieces at their proper places.
- Made in Europe from 100% recyclable materials.
Puzzles for good
For every set of puzzles sold, a tree will be planted in Papua New Guinea, as part of our initiative 'Puzzles4Trees'. Our educational puzzles will not only create hours of fun and special memories for your little ones, but will have a long-term positive impact on the environment.
Ako Puzzles will partner with the Kama Scholars Foundation (established 2013 in PNG), to help source young trees from local farmers. Trees will then be planted both for the benefit of local communities and to help protect and grow the natural habitat for the diverse and in some cases endangered native species.
With your help, we will:
- Support local farmers and engage local communities in conservation
- Protect wildlife and increase biodiversity.