Fifteen years ago, co-founders Helen Paul-Smith and Scott Smith were harvesting raw materials from plants they were growing or from friends.
It soon became obvious those sources weren’t going to be big enough. To help meet demand, Helen and Scott started collaborating with harvesters across Aotearoa New Zealand to sustainably gather native plant materials from their land or whānau blocks. In most cases, landowners harvest from existing plants. Some cultivate plants specifically for ŌKU.
Harvesters are paid by the kilogram for their material. ŌKU provides tikanga (customs) practices and harvesting guidelines.
Helen says working with landowners creates a mutually beneficial relationship that supports livelihoods and the preservation of Aotearoa New Zealand’s unique flora.
ŌKU makes sure harvesters receive fair compensation for their efforts.
“For instance, one of our harvesters from the East Coast lives on her whanau land, half of which is covered in native bush. Last year, she was able to leave her job packing kiwifruit to focus on sustainable harvesting for us, allowing her to live off her whenua (land).”
ŌKU also partners with two whānau trusts planting areas that border streams and rivers and cultivating specific rongoā (medicinal) plants for sustainable harvesting. This generates income for landowners and creates local jobs.
Once harvested, the native plant materials are carefully processed to create a range of products that help support various health and skincare complaints. All packaging is plastic-free and made from compostable or recyclable materials.
ŌKU places nature at the heart of its operations and decision-making processes.
“Our commitment to kaitiakitanga (guardianship) guides us in every aspect of our business, from sourcing native plants to developing our products. We actively seek to understand and respect the natural ecosystems we work within, ensuring that our practices promote biodiversity and ecological health.”
The business, based in Tamahere near Hamilton, conducts workshops and outreach programmes. They promote the importance of native plant cultivation, sustainable harvesting practices and the cultural significance of these plants within Māoritanga.
“By empowering local communities with knowledge and skills, we aim to inspire a new generation of guardians for Aotearoa New Zealand’s unique flora.”