Companion & Co.

We, Will and Kareen Durbin, are life partners and business partners, working in collaboration (primarily) with migrants and former refugees now living in New Zealand.

Meaningful employment is a crucial component for successful integration. But, the market economy marginalises, few benefiting profitably. Through integrating a human bottom line we use business as a force for inclusion.

And so, we are Companion & Co: companions in the company of those from far away places (now neighbours).

Creating opportunities for connection through crafting furniture and textile items, we celebrate diversity in a context of politicised debate around refugee quotas and the economic impact of migrants.

Skills carried here on migration dictate our process, as we explore contemporary outcomes via collisions of tradition. Resulting cohesive forms are conceptual illustrations of the beauty in heterogeneous societies.

'Success' is measured by social and environmental impact. In adherence with Slow Design principles we design for minimum waste and to cultivate meaningful relationships / employment opportunities. Much made is 100% unique – with marks of artisans' hands and minds.