OUR STORY
Over a decade ago, we personally faced the challenges of sensitive skin. Our own struggles, coupled with witnessing the suffering of loved ones, propelled us to seek innovative alternatives. Amidst the plethora of products, we recognised the need for a fresh approach – one that harmonised modern science with time-honoured wisdom, mirroring the approach of rongoā (traditional Māori medicine)
RONGOĀ
Throughout Māori history rongoā (traditional Māori medicine) has been used to cure many ailments, even prior to the arrival of European settlers in Aotearoa, New Zealand.
Our plants, trees and soils are the medicine cabinets where we would source a cure or supportive care for our health issues. In Māori understanding, these plants and trees are our tuākana (elders) and they are the gifts from Papatūānuku (Mother Earth)
OUR PROCESS
When we visit our native forests, we give thanks to Papatūānuku (earth mother) and to the Mamaku plant we collect. We do this by way of karakia (Māori prayer) which is a customary practice in Māori culture.
By giving thanks for the source of nurture from this plant, we hope to retain its mauri (life force) so that it is passed from the plant through to the final product you receive.
OUR VALUES
Although there are many ferns worldwide, Mamaku, the black tree fern, is native to Aotearoa. Māori believe in genealogy of all things. This includes the Mamaku, which is explicitly connected to the land and our environment. We are committed to maintaining the provenance of Mamaku to Aotearoa, and protecting the rongoā and scientific knowledge for the benefit of New Zealand.
We are helping our whānau (family) around the country to develop their land blocks to source Mamaku through wild harvest and cultivated gardens. We can confirm traceability to natural forest lands belonging to Māori. We encourage our whānau to harvest sustainably and to follow tikanga (Māori customs).
We have embarked on a program to develop a customised tikanga (ethical process) for growing, harvesting and processing of our products. These will be developed alongside current certified processing organisations and will be supported with science to guarantee product quality and authenticity.
At the heart of every creation lies a story, and Mamaku is no exception. With deep roots in the enchanting landscapes of Aotearoa, we draw inspiration from the resilient...