Oku Herbal Teas, Balms & Elixirs

About the Company

ŌKU New Zealand, founded in 2010 by Medical Herbalist and Naturopath Scott Smith and Helen Paul-Smith of Tapuika & Ngāi Te Rangi descent, is a family-owned brand rooted in deep Māori traditions. Their mission is to honour and share Aotearoa’s indigenous rongoā (medicinal plants) through thoughtfully designed teas, elixirs, skincare, and balms.

Headquartered in Hamilton, their practices are guided by tikanga Māori—principles of doing things right, sustainability, and kaitiakitanga (guardianship). They actively support land restoration, planting thousands of native trees and contributing profits to environmental trusts and regeneration projects.