What started as backyard trial and error became a commitment to cultivating New Zealand's native botanicals with care. Guided by generational knowledge and grown from gifted mānuka seed, our first plantings laid the foundation for what we produce today. Now proudly BioGro certified organic, we craft each botanical with integrity, respect for the land, and support of our whānau - read more...

We are Organic certified internationally with Bio Gro 6326.

Our native botanicals

Our New Zealand Native Plants

We grow and harvest certified organic New Zealand native botanicals on our property in Whakatāne. Each plant is hand-harvested and processed to preserve its natural properties.

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Mānuka (Leptospermum scoparium)

Naturally calming with a variety of special properties that enhance wellbeing. Mānuka has a mild, earthy, floral flavour that blends well with other botanicals. 

Key properties: Natural calm, Antioxidants, flavonoids, Vitamins 
Flavour profile: Mild, earthy, floral
Uses: Herbal tea, essential oil, nutrient powders, skin care, beverages.

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Kawakawa (Piper excelsum)

Warming, earthy flavour and a gentle cinnamon aroma. Traditionally valued in Māori wellness practices. Kawakawa has a distinctive warm green taste and herbaceous aroma.

Key properties: Piperine, flavonoids, myristicine, vitamins
Flavour profile: Earthy, warming, rich, full
Uses: Herbal tea, latte blends, finishing salt, herbal tea infusions, skincare.

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Kūmarahou (Pomaderris kumeraho)

Bold, bitter flavour. Traditionally valued for wellness benefits in Māori culture. Kūmarahou has a distinctive bold character.

Key properties: Traditionally valued for wellness
Flavour profile: Bold, bitter, earthy
Uses: Herbal tea, cosmetics, elixirs, soaps, skin care, beverages.

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Kānuka (Kunzea ericoides)

Fresh, floral, and herbaceous aroma. Kānuka essential oil and kānuka leaf is valued for its uplifting and clarifying properties in aromatherapy and in herbal tea infusions. 

Key properties: Valued for wellness applications and the wood was used for tool and weapon making.
Aroma profile: Floral, uplifting
Uses: Essential oil for diffusers, skincare, herbal tea infusions, beverages.

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Horopito (Pseudowintera colorata)

Stingy floral flavour. Known as New Zealand's native pepper plant, horopito adds distinctive warmth and herbaceous notes to culinary applications.

Key properties: Peppery, spicy
Flavour profile: Stinging sensation, herbaceous, floral, warm
Uses: Finishing salt, culinary seasoning, skin care, beverages, herbal tea infusions.

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Other Plants We Grow

• Hioi/Māori mint (Mentha cunninghami)
• Hoheria (Hoheria populnea)
• Lemongrass (Cymbopogon)
• Pineapple sage (Salvia elegans)
• Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
• Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus)

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Our Organic Standards

All our botanicals are:

• 100% certified organic (BIO GRO NZ, international certification 2024)
• Hand-harvested on our Whakatāne plantation
• Processed without synthetic additives, flavours, or preservatives
• Grown using sustainable, hand-weeding practices