Where the first light rises, we give back to the land
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.
"Respect for nature, honoring its healing properties, and ensuring we do no harm—these values shape everything we do at RāKiwi. That’s why we work with beekeepers and guardians of the land who share our vision."
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.
Power from Nature
RāKiwi is built on a simple yet powerful philosophy: nature knows best.
Rā – meaning ‘ray of light’ in te reo Māori – symbolises the sun’s role in regenerating life. Kiwi – our tribute to Aotearoa, where the world’s finest Mānuka flourishes.
Our Mānuka trees stand on the East Cape of New Zealand, where the sun first rises each day. This dawn is more than a beginning—it’s a symbol of renewal, of harnessing the earth’s power to create something pure, something that gives back.
With every sunrise, RāKiwi’s mission continues: to produce exceptional Mānuka honey and essential oils while restoring the land that gives us so much.
LEADING WITH INTEGRITY
More than sustainability—it’s a promise. We don’t just talk about impact; we make it happen, planting trees and restoring native ecosystems.
IMPACT OVER INTENTIONS
Less talk, more action. Our work speaks for itself—authentic, transparent, and always focused on positive change.
SERVING THE LAND, NOT OURSELVES
The land is the hero, not us. Our journey isn’t about recognition; it’s about the people and places that make RāKiwi possible.
PUSHING FORWARD, ALWAYS
Challenges create opportunities. From the East Coast to global markets, we break barriers and prove purpose-driven business thrives.
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.
"RāKiwi isn’t just about honey. It’s about restoring balance—giving back to the whenua, rebuilding what was lost, and ensuring our work today leaves a legacy for tomorrow."
- Brendan Shivnan
Nature Leads, We Follow
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.
