Every Idea Starts Small
We Don’t Just Create, We Craft with Purpose
The name Small Idea draws inspiration from Siu Lim Tao which is the foundational form of Wing Chun Kung Fu. Translated as "Little Idea" or "Small Thought," it represents the power of stillness, clarity, and focused intent.
The name Small Idea draws inspiration from Siu Lim Tao which is the foundational form of Wing Chun Kung Fu. Translated as "Little Idea" or "Small Thought," it represents the power of stillness, clarity, and focused intent.
The Founder
The Founder
Ko Wai Au
Ko Wai Au
Ko Ruapehu te maunga Ko Whanganui te awa Ko Aotea te waka Ko Te Ati Haunui A Pāpārangi te iwi Ko Ngati Pamoana te hapū Ko Koriniti te marae Ko James Brooks tōku ingoa
Ko Ruapehu te maunga Ko Whanganui te awa Ko Aotea te waka Ko Te Ati Haunui A Pāpārangi te iwi Ko Ngati Pamoana te hapū Ko Koriniti te marae Ko James Brooks tōku ingoa
I'm James Brooks - founder and creative director of Small Idea, a 100% Māori-owned indie creative technology studio based in Kirikiriroa. I build at the intersection of immersive technology, game development, and animation, driven by a belief that Māori stories deserve to be told with the same craft, ambition, and depth as anything else out there.
I'm James Brooks - founder and creative director of Small Idea, a 100% Māori-owned indie creative technology studio based in Kirikiriroa. I build at the intersection of immersive technology, game development, and animation, driven by a belief that Māori stories deserve to be told with the same craft, ambition, and depth as anything else out there.
Small Idea is a solo studio for now - but the kaupapa has always been bigger than one person. Every project that comes through here carries the weight of that responsibility, and the excitement of what's possible.
Small Idea is a solo studio for now - but the kaupapa has always been bigger than one person. Every project that comes through here carries the weight of that responsibility, and the excitement of what's possible.
Our Philosophy
Small Idea Kaupapa
Our philosophy aligns closely with te ao Māori values of whakaaro (conscious thought) and whakawhanaungatanga (connectedness).
Our Vision
A future where indigenous storytelling and modern technology create experiences that inspire, connect, and endure across generations.
Our Mission
To amplify indigenous voices and craft unforgettable experiences through design, style, immersive gameplay, and compelling narrative.
Our Values
The Guiding Pillars Of Small Idea
The Guiding Pillars Of Small Idea
Our work stands on four pou - pillars rooted in te ao Māori that guide every world we build, every story we tell, and every collaboration we enter.
Our work stands on four pou - pillars rooted in te ao Māori that guide every world we build, every story we tell, and every collaboration we enter.
01
Whakaaro
- with thought
We value stillness, focus, and conscious intention before taking action. Every project begins with listening - to story, to culture, to what needs to emerge.
02
Whakawhanaungatanga
- through connection
Relationships sit at the heart of our mahi. Every project is an opportunity to build bridges - between people, communities, and worlds. Building together rather than simply delivering.
03
Auahatanga
- with creativity
Innovation comes through play, curiosity, and the courage to imagine. We prototype, experiment, and give ideas space to breathe - the best solutions emerge through exploration.
04
Tohungatanga
- through expertise
We honour our kaupapa by striving for quality and depth - every project carries the mana of those who contribute. We take on mahi we're proud to call our own.
01
Whakaaro
- with thought
We value stillness, focus, and conscious intention before taking action. Every project begins with listening - to story, to culture, to what needs to emerge.
02
Whakawhanaungatanga
- through connection
Relationships sit at the heart of our mahi. Every project is an opportunity to build bridges - between people, communities, and worlds. Building together rather than simply delivering.
03
Auahatanga
- with creativity
Innovation comes through play, curiosity, and the courage to imagine. We prototype, experiment, and give ideas space to breathe - the best solutions emerge through exploration.
04
Tohungatanga
- through expertise
We honour our kaupapa by striving for quality and depth - every project carries the mana of those who contribute. We take on mahi we're proud to call our own.
01
Whakaaro
- with thought
We value stillness, focus, and conscious intention before taking action. Every project begins with listening - to story, to culture, to what needs to emerge.
02
Whakawhanaungatanga
- through connection
Relationships sit at the heart of our mahi. Every project is an opportunity to build bridges - between people, communities, and worlds. Building together rather than simply delivering.
03
Auahatanga
- with creativity
Innovation comes through play, curiosity, and the courage to imagine. We prototype, experiment, and give ideas space to breathe - the best solutions emerge through exploration.
04
Tohungatanga
- through expertise
We honour our kaupapa by striving for quality and depth - every project carries the mana of those who contribute. We take on mahi we're proud to call our own.