Our people. Our promise. Our commitment.
OUR STORY
Rooted in Purpose
RāKiwi is more than a honey brand—it’s a movement. Born on the East Coast of Aotearoa and founded in 2018 by Tairāwhiti-raised Brendan Shivnan, RāKiwi started as a passion project but quickly grew into something bigger. With the guidance of design kaitiaki (guardian) Joe Harris (Ngāti Maniapoto/Tainui), it became a mission to restore the land, revive lost ecosystems, and uplift local communities.
From the rugged East Coast of Aotearoa to the far corners of the world, every jar of RāKiwi honey carries with it a story of regeneration, resilience, and responsibility.
Strength in Unity
At RāKiwi, partnership isn’t just business—it’s whakapapa.
We don’t have "suppliers" or "distributors"—we have whānau, a collective of beekeepers, farmers, and Māori landowners who work together to protect the land, nurture the bees, and maintain the purity of our honey.
- We co-create with East Cape Māori communities, honoring their deep knowledge of the whenua.
- We champion sustainability, ensuring that every harvest contributes to the land’s regeneration.
- We prioritise authenticity, meaning every jar of RāKiwi honey is traceable back to the source.
This is Mānuka with meaning—a product that represents the land, the people, and the power of true partnership.
Power From Nature
From seed to hive, every step of the RāKiwi process is driven by sustainability, integrity, and care.
- We plant Mānuka – Working with Māori landowners and East Coast communities, we plant thousands of native trees each year to restore the ecosystem.
- We partner with beekeepers – Our honey is sourced from independent beekeepers who share our values, ensuring the highest quality without compromise.
- We protect the planet – We minimise waste, use sustainable packaging, and invest in projects that give back to the land.
Every jar of RāKiwi honey carries not just the richness of Mānuka, but the spirit of conservation and community.
Quality Production
Our honey is carefully packed in HAACP-certified facilities, ensuring top-tier safety and purity. From harvest to packaging, strict measures prevent contamination, meeting the highest food safety standards. Our commitment to excellence guarantees a superior product for our customers' enjoyment and trust.
UMF Certified
UMF™ is the only quality and rating system that independently certifies the presence and quality of all factors that make New Zealand mānuka honey unique, ensuring you get honey that meets your needs.
The Unique Mānuka Factor Honey Association (UMFHA) independently tests and certifies every batch from four key factors. With the UMF™ rating, you can confidently choose the right option when purchasing our premium products.
B-Corp Certified
We are proud to be a Certified B-Corporation. A B-Corp, or Benefit Corporation, is a type of business entity that seeks to balance profit with social and environmental goals. These companies are legally required to consider the impact of their decisions on their workers, customers, community, and the environment, in addition to their financial returns. B-Corps undergo a rigorous certification process to demonstrate their commitment to these broader objectives.
Based on the B Impact Assessment, New Zealand Native Honey Products Limited earned an overall score of 101.2. The median score for ordinary businesses completing the assessment is currently 50.9.
- 101.2 Overall B Impact Score
- 50.9 Median Score for Ordinary Businesses
- 80 Businesses qualify for B Corp
Packaging and Shipping
We use sustainably sourced and recyclable materials for packaging to help reduce environmental impact and support a more eco-friendly approach to product distribution. This practice can contribute to minimising waste, conserving natural resources, and promoting a circular economy. Keeping your product safer. And the environment, happy.