Environmental innovation

Specialising in waste-to-material opportunities, Naked&Curious brings a bespoke blend of creativity, experience, science, and no-8 wire pragmatism to complex waste challenges.

Sustainability

We approach sustainability through the Māori lens of Kaitiakitanga - guardianship and protection.
This traditional world view resonates with us in its commitment to conserving, replenishing, and safeguarding for the future.
By reimagining the lifecycle of materials, we aim to create a future where nothing is wasted and everything has value.

Innovation

At the heart of our mission lies a belief that waste is not just a byproduct, but a failure of imagination.
We believe that big problems are unlikely to be solved by the inflexible application of theoretical models and concepts, or extrapolating from the status quo / following the shortest line between a and b.

Design

Our advice is anchored in practical experience - under the sub-brand Daedalic Lightworks, we’re developing our own premium range of decorative light fittings utilising repurposed waste materials such as coffee grounds, oyster shells, grape skins, pumice and glass, visually/structurally augmented by regenerative/circular materials such as brass, copper, flax, steel, wood, wool, and zinc.

Collaborations and creative problem-solving form the basis of our approach to environmental challenges - decentralised teams of like-minded academics, artists, designers, experts, innovators, investors, makers, philosophers, and scientists are selected to work together with the founders according to the knowledge, experience, and skill-sets requisite for project success.

Mark Lever

Co-founder

Mark brings a rich tapestry of creative experience.

With a career spanning over 30 years and six continents, he has seamlessly transitioned from a successful chef and commercial photographer to an innovative film director of high-profile music videos and advertising campaigns, and finally product designer and maker.

This unique journey has honed his aesthetic vision and problem-solving skills, and his diverse skill-set across food, photography, film, design, and production reflects his exceptional ability to blend creativity with practicality.

Wrestling with the challenges of food waste for nearly four decades, Mark is now focused on transforming organic waste materials into functional and beautiful design objects.

A keen sailor upset by the deterioration in the abundance and diversity of sea-life in New Zealand waters, Mark's passion for the environment, regenerative materials, and creativity drives our mission to revolutionise waste management through inventive and environmentally conscious solutions.

John Bache

Co-Founder

John is a seasoned leader and strategic visionary with extensive experience in brand management, communications, and engagement.

Early to the digital space after starting his career with Hewlett-Packard straight from school, John went on to study marketing and communications, and laid the foundations of his career in New Zealand in the 90s, before moving to Europe to run the International Snowboard Federation in 2000.

From 2002 - 2024 he lived in Germany, working at top agencies and consultancies on global communications- and brand-related challenges for multiple high-profile companies such as BMW, Porsche, and Volkswagen.

Surfer, mountainbiker, snowboarder, and hobby nature photographer, John is a passionate advocate for the outdoors.

Prior to returning to Aotearoa New Zealand he was working with some of Germany’s largest companies as managing director and partner in Europe’s fastest growing communications consultancy network, and producing his own German language brand podcast.

Let's connect

Find us in our studio-workshop

73 Smith Road, Matakana, Aotearoa New Zealand

Send us some email

info@nakedandcurious.com

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