From Ocean & Forest
to Beautiful Light

The Founder

Hi, my name is Dave Stewart

I've spent decades in the lighting industry, beginning my career in a small local family business in Newcastle, NSW. Over the years I've worked closely with lighting technology, products, and the people who install and use them every day. That experience gave me a deep appreciation for what makes a great luminaire — reliability, performance, and thoughtful design.

But it also led me to ask a bigger question.

The Spark

From Ghost Nets to Light

A few years ago I came across something that sparked a completely new idea. My childhood surfing hero and 11-time World Champion, Kelly Slater, had begun producing boardshorts made from recycled nylon fishing nets recovered from the ocean — often referred to as "ghost nets."

These discarded nets are one of the most harmful forms of plastic pollution in our oceans, trapping marine life and damaging fragile ecosystems.

As someone who has spent a lifetime around the ocean — surfing, sailing, and appreciating the environments that make those experiences possible — the idea immediately resonated with me. I feel incredibly lucky that so much of my life has been shaped by time spent on the water, which is why the health of our oceans is something I care deeply about.

Seeing waste recovered from the sea transformed into something useful sparked a simple question:

That question became the starting point for Tevita Light.

The fittings began to replicate the strength, detail, and finish of traditional die-cast metal luminaires — but using recycled materials.

Working alongside our manufacturing partners, we integrated high-performance, energy-efficient LED modules to complete the product.

The result was a lighting solution that combined thoughtful design, reliable performance, and a more environmentally conscious approach to materials.

Vinaka

A Name with Meaning

The name Tevita carries personal meaning — it is the Fijian form of the name David.

One of our first products, the Vinaka Downlight, reflects that same connection. Vinaka means "thank you" in Fijian — a small acknowledgement that by rethinking materials and design we can give something back to the ocean and environment that inspires us.

Together we developed a series of linear pendant luminaires made from sustainably produced Australian hardwood.

This range became known as Banyula, an Aboriginal word meaning "place of many trees."

The result is a collection of high-performance luminaires that combine precision lighting technology with the warmth and character of natural timber.

Looking Forward

This is only the beginning

The future of Tevita Light is centred on continual innovation in sustainable lighting design.

We will continue exploring new materials, technologies, and manufacturing processes that reduce environmental impact while delivering exceptional lighting performance.

From ocean plastics to Australian hardwood, every product is part of a simple idea: better materials can lead to better lighting.