By Noeleen Tuala, Founder of PELE
When I created the Bassy playmat, I wasn't just designing a product — I was pouring a piece of my culture, my family, and my heart into something I wished had existed when my own babies were small.
As a Pasifika mama from South Auckland, I wanted my children and grandchildren to grow up surrounded by beauty that reflected who they are. Not generic pastels or patterns from the other side of the world — but something that felt like home. Something that said: you belong here, and your culture is beautiful.
That's Bassy.
Why "Bassy"?
Bassy is named after my youngest son, Bass — a boy who has shown me what true strength looks like. Navigating life on the spectrum, Bass has taught our aiga more about resilience, love, and seeing the world differently than anything else ever could.
When I named this playmat after him, I wanted that same spirit woven into every stitch — strength, beauty, and the courage to be exactly who you are.
A Design Rooted in Culture
The Bassy playmat's design isn't accidental. Every element is intentional — a nod to the rich visual language of Pasifika art and pattern-making that has been passed down through generations.
The intricate lines and curves tell a story — a story of culture and inclusiveness. They represent our Pasifika people, our identity, and the threads that connect us across oceans and generations. Polynesian design has always been a language. From tapa cloth to tatau, pattern is how our ancestors recorded who they were and where they belonged.
When your baby plays on a Bassy mat, they're not just on a soft surface — they're surrounded by that story. Because culture is everything.
What Makes Bassy Special (Beyond the Story)
A beautiful design only goes so far — Bassy has earned its glowing reviews because it delivers on every level:
- Thick, cushioned padding that protects little ones as they roll, crawl, and explore
- Soft, skin-safe materials gentle enough for newborns
- Easy-wipe surface because, let's be honest — babies are messy
- Generous size that grows with your baby through every milestone
- Foldable & portable so it travels with your aiga wherever you go
What PELE Families Are Saying
"Absolutely love this mat! It's so beautiful and my baby spends hours on it."
"Finally a playmat that represents us. I cried when I opened it — it's perfect."
"Best purchase I've made for my baby. The quality is incredible and it looks stunning in our home."
Bassy isn't just our bestseller — it's a product our community has truly made their own. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Designed with Alofa, Right Here in South Auckland
PELE is a proudly Pasifika-owned, home-based brand born in South Auckland. Every product is designed here in Aotearoa — with intention, with culture, and with love — before being carefully manufactured and quality-checked to bring that vision to life.
For babies who deserve to see their culture celebrated from day one, and for parents who want more than just functional.
We want beautiful. We want meaningful. We want ours.
PELE is the first Pasifika-owned business and Pacific baby product line to be stocked nationwide in Farmers stores around the country. PELE is also stocked across New Zealand and overseas — because this culture, and these babies, deserve to be seen everywhere.
Bassy is all of that.
Ready to Bring Bassy Home?
The Bassy playmat is available now at pelebabies.com and at Farmers stores nationwide — and it makes the most meaningful gift for baby showers, new arrivals, and growing aiga.
👉 Shop the Bassy Playmat online or find us in your nearest Farmers store.
PELE is a Pasifika-owned baby brand, designed in South Auckland, New Zealand. The first Pacific baby product line stocked nationwide at Farmers NZ. Winner of the Pacific Business Trust Excellence in Retail Award. As featured in NZ Herald, Woman's Day & NZTV.