For 15 years, ŌKU NZ has quietly brewed its way through New Zealand’s natural health scene, harnessing the power of indigenous herbs like kawakawa, horopito, and mānuka for its teas, elixirs and skincare products. But now? It’s no longer just about survival, it’s about scale, strategy, and seizing the global moment.
Source: OKU's colourfully packed indigenous tea range
The company, co-founded by Scott Smith and Helen Paul-Smith, started out at Bay of Plenty Farmers’ Markets, educating locals on rongoā Māori and the benefits of native botanicals. Over time, ŌKU evolved from a passion project into a serious player, landing in health stores, pharmacies, and organic retailers. But the real momentum kicked in post-2020, with a rebrand opening doors to tourism, gifting, and now, international markets.
And let’s be real, the timing couldn’t be better. The global functional tea market is heating up, and ŌKU is riding the wave in more ways than one. Not only is it tapping into rising consumer awareness around medicinal plants, but it’s also leaning into the global mānuka boom, positioning its Mānuka Tea range as a natural upsell for premium honey retailers.
"Fifteen years ago, barely anyone outside Māori communities knew what kawakawa was. Now, it’s everywhere in the form of balms, teas, tinctures and demand is growing fast," says Scott Smith. "We’ve spent years building awareness, and now the market is catching up."
Awareness is translating into serious expansion plans. ŌKU is ramping up production, not just to meet demand but to secure long-term supply, working directly with native plant growers to scale up cultivation of mānuka, kawakawa, and other traditional rongoā herbs.
Source: OKU - Kawakawa leaves, dried and ready-to-use tea
And it’s not just New Zealand taking notice. ŌKU has now lined up an Australian distributor, with a clear focus on niche health food stores. It’s also established itself via Amazon Australia, making its products more accessible across the ditch. Meanwhile, interest from the Middle East is growing fast, particularly from companies already selling New Zealand mānuka honey, seeing ŌKU’s teas as a complementary upsell.
With all the right market forces aligning, ŌKU NZ is finally getting its moment in the sun as it educates growers, expands production, and takes indigenous New Zealand teas to the world.
Watch this space!
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