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Our Story

Hauwana - pronounced ho-wah-nah, is derived from the māori kupu "hau" which means vitality and breath, and "wana" which represents zest, liveliness, and sparkle. Together, Hauwana is when the vitality of a person sparkles with liveliness and vibrant zest, radiating energy like the sun’s warm caress, infusing the world with joy in its rays. This reflects the essence of our brand and the rejuvenation our products bring. Our name embodies the essence of what we strive to bring to your self-care journey—energy, renewal, and a deep connection to nature.

 

At Hauwana, we believe in the profound power of te taiao (nature) to nurture, heal, and inspire. Nestled in the serene landscapes of Kāpiti, New Zealand, our products are meticulously hand-blended in small batches by a dedicated māmā, infused with love, intention, and a deep respect for Papatūānuku (Mother Earth). As a student studying to become a naturopath and nutritionist, I am passionate about the power of nature to support overall health. I look forward to offering these services in the near future, expanding Hauwana beyond skincare into a space of holistic well-being and nourishment.

 

Papatūānuku is the source of all life, sustaining us with her abundance and providing the natural resources we rely on for nourishment, healing, and well-being. It is our responsibility to respect and care for her in return, ensuring that we live in harmony with te taiao. Through our products and practices, we honour this sacred relationship by using sustainable, toxin-free ingredients that nurture both the tinana (body) and te taiao. Our commitment extends to our packaging, which is designed with sustainability in mind—using recyclable, biodegradable, or reusable materials to minimize waste and reduce our impact on the environment.

 

With Hauwana, you’re not just caring for your tinana and wairua (spirit); you’re embracing a way of life that honours balance, vitality, and a deep connection to Papatūānuku. Every choice we make shapes the world we live in. By choosing to be a conscious consumer and supporting sustainable businesses, you become a kaitiaki (guardian) of te taiao, honouring her gifts and ensuring that future generations inherit a world rich in life, beauty, and abundance. Your actions ripple beyond yourself, nurturing the land that has always sustained us. Our products are more than skincare—they are a celebration of nature’s gifts, a reminder to slow down, and an invitation to nurture yourself with intention. Join us in this journey of reconnection, self-discovery, and holistic well-being.

Sustainability

As kaitiaki of our whenua, we carry the sacred responsibility to protect and preserve te taiao for future generations. Our commitment to sustainability is not just a choice, but an expression of our values—rooted in the belief that true beauty cannot exist without harmony with Papatūānuku. Transparency, accountability, and integrity guide every decision we make. We understand that true beauty is not just skin-deep; it is a reflection of how we honour and care for the land, the waters, and all living things that sustain us. In this interconnectedness, we recognise that by caring for Papatūānuku, we are also caring for ourselves. Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in our efforts to reduce, reuse, and recycle, ensuring that our practices are as responsible as they are beautiful.

 

Packaging You Can Feel Good About:

We are proud to use packaging made from sustainable and recyclable materials wherever possible.

 

Bottles & Droppers: Our bottles and droppers are made from glass - Not plastic! They are paired with rubber tops and bamboo caps. While these are designed to be eco-friendly, the inner components contain plastic.

 

Protective Packaging: To ensure your products arrive safely, our glass bottles are carefully wrapped in cardboard for transit. We don’t use unnecessary printed boxes—this not only minimises waste but also helps save you money!

 

Courier Bags: Our courier bags are made from 100% compostable and biodegradable materials, certified for both home and commercial composting. Better yet, these bags feature two adhesive strips, allowing you to reuse them to send empty bottles back to us as part of our recycling program.

Kaitiaki o te Taiao
Recycling Programme

Embody your inner Kaitiaki o te Taiao by joining our incentivised recycling program. Send two or more empty bottles back to us, and we'll reward you with a $15 NZD Hauwana discount voucher. Here’s how to do your bit for Papatūānuku:

 

  1. When you receive your order: Cut open the courier bag on the dotted line so you can reuse the second adhesive strip. Keep the cardboard inside the courier bag for safe keeping so you can reuse it to protect the empties you send back to us.

  2. Bask in every last drop: Tip your bottle upside down and give it a final tap tap before screwing the cap back on.

  3. Wrap it up: Use the cardboard you saved (because you're practical like that) OR newspaper.

  4. Pack it: Pop the empty bottles into your reusable courier bag and seal it shut.

  5. Label it: Stick our address on top of your own (email us for this).

  6. Send it off: Drop the bag off at your local post office and let the recycling magic happen.

 

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Alternatively, if you’d prefer to recycle it yourself, here’s how:

 

  1. Separate the cap & dropper: These can't go in kerbside recycling, but you can drop them off at your local MECCA to recycle with TerraCycle.

  2. Clean the bottle: Wash it thoroughly (dishwasher-friendly too!).

  3. Recycle the glass: Place the bottle in your kerbside glass recycling bin.

 

Let’s all contribute as Kaitiaki o te Taiao – and maybe even save some money along the way!
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