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NZ Walking Sticks: A personalised touch for comfort, independence and style

01 Apr 2025

Carey Hablous, retiree and founder of NZ Walking Sticks, is changing the game when it comes to walking aids. After experiencing his own challenges with walking sticks following several injuries and procedures, Carey was disappointed by the available options. Either too functional or overly ornate, he found none of them struck the right balance of comfort, elegance and utility. Determined to create a solution, he launched NZ Walking Sticks, a small, home-based business offering beautifully crafted, Resene painted, highly functional walking sticks. 

NZ Walking Sticks provides a range of walking sticks that not only assist with mobility but also offer style and comfort. Each walking stick is handmade in Waipu, New Zealand. The unique design features a high-polish, cast aluminium handle, which Carey designed himself and can be ordered for either the left or right hand. The design also features a resin-reinforced shaft made from natural bamboo. This combination of materials ensures durability while maintaining the stick’s aesthetic appeal. 


Both stylish and functional, Carey’s walking sticks come in a range of colours, including Resene Black, Resene Turbo, Resene Bullseye, Resene Tangerine, Resene Tarawera and Resene Colorwood wood stains.  

One of the standout features of NZ Walking Sticks is the customisation options. Customers can personalise their walking sticks with a variety of colour choices, offering a level of personal expression that goes beyond the typical cane. For this, Carey suggests Resene colour swatches, enabling his customers to select a Resene shade that best suits their personality and style. This attention to detail allows walking sticks to become not only a tool for mobility but also a reflection of the user’s character. 


Some of Carey’s designs, painted in (from top) Resene Black, Resene Turbo, Resene Bullseye, Resene Tangerineand Resene Tarawera.

A walking stick is more than just a functional item; it’s also a thoughtful gift. It serves as a daily reminder of care and love, especially for parents, grandparents or loved ones who may require extra support. Carey notes that the ability to personalise the walking stick with colour helps reduce the reluctance some people feel about using such aids, making them more likely to embrace their walking stick and use it regularly. 

Each walking stick also comes with practical features, such as a non-slip sleeve to keep the stick in place when propped up against a table, a removable wrist lanyard for extra security and a non-slip silicon foot for stability. All of these elements ensure that the walking stick not only looks great but also provides the necessary functionality to support the user’s mobility. 


Carey with one of his walking sticks, painted in bright Resene Bullseye. 

Carey’s design process began with the creation of the supremely comfortable HAB handle, which was meticulously tested for ergonomic comfort. The bamboo shafts are carefully crafted to the optimal length and strength for each customer’s needs. Carey’s dedication to comfort and function means that each walking stick is designed to be a reliable companion, whether for daily use or as a stylish accessory. 

NZ Walking Sticks also offers engraving options for the handle. The colour customisation and engravings help ensure that each walking stick is as unique as the person using it. Carey’s ongoing experiments with different colour applications demonstrate his commitment to offering the perfect accessory for every individual. 


Carey’s HAB handle, designed for comfort and grip. This walking stick is stained in Resene Colorwood Natural.

In addition to the vibrant colour options, Carey offers a standard finish that combines Resene Colorwood Natural wood stain with a blend of Resene Colour Enhance Black and Walnut. This three-coat system results in a sleek, dark finish that enhances the natural beauty of the bamboo. 

If you’re looking for a thoughtful, practical and stylish gift for a loved one in need of extra support or simply want to add a personal touch to your own mobility aid, Carey has the solution.  

Visit www.walkingsticks.co.nz to explore the range of walking sticks or to learn more about the business and its incredible founder, Carey.  

Published: 01 Apr 2025