At Rākiwi, we believe business should be a force for good. That’s why we’re proud to be a Certified B Corporation (B Corp)—a globally recognised certification that holds businesses to the highest standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.
What is B Corp?
B Corp certification isn’t just a label—it’s a rigorous process that ensures businesses operate with purpose, not just profit. To earn this certification, companies must complete a B Impact Assessment, which evaluates their impact across five key areas:
- Governance: Ethical leadership, transparency, and accountability in decision-making.
- Workers: Fair wages, employee well-being, and workplace culture.
- Community: Positive contributions to local communities, equity, and inclusion.
- Environment: Sustainable practices, carbon footprint reduction, and responsible resource use.
- Customers: Ethical product sourcing and consumer trust.
To achieve B Corp status, a company must score at least 80 points in this assessment. The median score for standard businesses is 50.9, meaning B Corps go far beyond conventional practices to create meaningful change.
Our B Corp Journey
Our parent company, New Zealand Native Honey Products Limited, earned an overall B Impact Score of 101.2, significantly surpassing the certification threshold. For us, this certification is more than just a milestone—it’s a commitment to continuously improve how we care for people, communities, and the land.
Since day one, we’ve been driven by values that extend beyond our products. Founded by Brendan Shivnan, raised in Tairāwhiti, and in partnership with Joe Harris (Ngāti Maniapoto/Tainui), design kaitiaki (guardian) of the business, we’ve built RāKiwi with a deep respect for nature, heritage, and sustainable enterprise.
What Being B Corp Means for Us
Sourcing with Integrity: We ensure our Mānuka honey and wild-harvested essential oils are produced responsibly, primarily working closely with Māori-owned businesses and East Coast communities to protect both people and place.
More Than Just Words: Being a B Corp means we hold ourselves accountable to the highest ethical and environmental standards. Every decision we make is about more than just business—it’s about creating lasting impact.
A Higher Standard: Earning a B Corp certification puts RāKiwi in a global community of businesses committed to making a difference—not just making a profit.
“We don’t just take from nature—we work with it, protect it, and ensure its future.”
By choosing RāKiwi, you’re not just buying honey or essential oils—you’re supporting a business committed to sustainability, ethical sourcing, and a better future for Aotearoa and beyond.