Laureen Waimarino Andrews – Whakatōhea, Ngāti Porou, Te Arawa

Nestled in the heart of Whakatāne, where the land breathes life into tradition, Laureen and her whānau are cultivating more than just native botanicals — they’re growing a legacy.

Laureen’s deep connection to the whenua and whakapapa is the heartbeat of Native Tree Farm NZ, a whānau-run business that’s been evolving for the past seven years.

🌱 From Seed to Story

What began as a humble effort to grow native botanicals has blossomed into a certified organic operation with international recognition.  Laureen and her husband, alongside their adult children, manage the day-to-day running of the farm — a true whānau affair.

Their business supplies certified organic native herbs and botanicals to other companies, who use them as ingredients in their own products.

But that’s not all — Native Tree Farm NZ also offers a retail collection that showcases the healing power and cultural significance of these native treasures.

💬 “It’s About Connection”

Being Māori isn’t just a part of the business — it’s the foundation.  “It relates back to who we are and our connection with the plants,” says Laureen.  “Knowing our ancestors used these botanicals for hundreds of years, and that they’re still relevant today, is just amazing.”

And while tradition is key, science plays a role too.  Scientific testing has validated the historical uses and properties of these native herbs, bridging the gap between mātauranga Māori and modern wellness.

💸 Growing with Confidence

Thanks to funding from Poutama, Native Tree Farm NZ is ready to scale up.  “This funding gives us the confidence to get the jobs done,” Laureen shares.  “It will speed up production, and we believe we’re ready for that next step.”

🌍 Sustainability Meets Whānau Values

A few things Laureen wants the world to know:

  • 🌿 They are internationally certified organic.
  • 🌱 They are plantation and sustainable growers.
  • 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 They are a whānau-based business.
  • 🗣️ They love helping others and hearing their stories.

While the wider community has played a modest role in their journey, it’s been the support of close friends and whānau — especially those offering constructive feedback — that has helped shape their path.

📲 Follow Their Journey

You can find Native Tree Farm NZ on Facebook and Instagram, where they share updates, stories, and snapshots of their beautiful botanicals.