New Zealand's premier specialists in traditional embossed leather goods

Established in Golden Bay NZ in 2026 by leather craftsman Rye Morgan, Dara Leather brings values of slow sustainability and artisan crafting to an industry currently saturated in mass-produced imported goods. Working with only the highest quality full-grain leather sourced from tanneries across the globe, Dara leather products are designed to stand the test of time.

Leather in itself is a sustainable material being a by-product of the food industry. We turn a waste product into something practical, beautiful and long-lasting. We use primarily vegetable tanned leather, which utilises natural tannins found in the bark and leaves of trees to turn a raw hide into a strong and durable material.

After apprenticing with renowned Australian leather artisan Jo Busby, it is with great pride and passion that Rye is able to carry the torch of these time honored-techniques passed on from one generation to the next.

A man with long hair, beard, and tattoos is working on a craft project at a table, using a ruler and cutting mat in a workshop or studio.
A black and white photo showing a hand holding a chess piece, a king, with other fingers nearby, over a table surface.
Hand dyed leather belt

Product Line

  • Belts - premium embossed and plain styles, high quality solid brass and nickle plated hardware

  • Journals - refillable, available in A4, A5 and A6 standard sizes

  • Guitar straps - wide for electric, bass and acoustic guitar and narrow for ukulele and mandolin

  • Wallets and card holders - simple designs for long lasting functionality. Slim and sleek.

  • Wristbands - in a variety of widths, designs and colours to elevate your style

  • Hair Barrettes - classic stylish design

  • Bookmarks - Slim embossed leather taking your reading game to the next level.

Several leather belts hanging on a tree branch outdoors, with a background of green leaves and sunlight.

Wholesale

All products are currently available for wholesaling to your store. Please get in touch to receive a wholesale price list.

online store coming soon…

Stockists

You can find Dara Leather journals, belts and wristbands at the Colony store in Christchurch and on their website.

The Oak and Ember gallery in Takaka stock a full range of Dara Leather goods.

Also the Nelson Provincial Museum gift shop is stocking a range of bookmarks, hair barrettes and wristbands

Close-up of a sewing machine with a person's hand guiding leather under the needle.
Close-up of multiple colorful, intricately patterned leather belt straps, arranged in parallel. The straps are in colors including black, green, orange, and brown, each with detailed engraved designs.
Operating a clicker press for leather crafting
Cutting a hand-made leather guitar strap.