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Introducing ŌKU
We're excited to be stocking a beautiful range of teas, healing elixirs and skincare from local company ŌKU!
ŌKU was formed by the husband and wife duo Scott and Helen Paul-Smith (Tapuika, Ngāi Te Rangi), out of the desire to harness the healing properties from native NZ plants, into a product range that can help people rediscover and experience the amazing properties held within our ngahere (forests).
The unique formulas were primarily developed by Scott, who is a Medical Herbalist and Naturopath who has been working in the natural healthcare industry both as a Clinician and in product development for almost 20 years.
ŌKU's Kaupapa (purpose):
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To help promote the importance of the healing properties of NZ Native plants and to help people discover the stories they have to share and tell.
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The importance of making every effort to reduce our footprint on the whenua (land).
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The importance of creating a circular economy within the business that ensures the business is a good kaitiaki (custodian) and returns appropriately to the whenua.
At ŌKU they are conscious of Maori Tikanga, ‘doing things the right way’, and this helps guide their decision-making processes. They promote the growing and sustainability of NZ native plants and as they continue to grow are committed to contributing to land restoration and planting projects of the native flora and fauna.
As a result of this philosophy, ŌKU donates a portion of the profits of every product sold to trusts specifically set up for this purpose as well as their own many planting/restoration projects where they have themselves planted 1,000’s of natives since beginning this hīkoi (journey, walk). As ŌKU continues to grow Scott & Helen are both fully committed to continue this work and see more whenua (land) restored back into our incredible native forests.
