It’s only natural
With a background in environmental science, it was second nature to Mahuru Wilcox to look to the land when creating Hau Botanicals, her range of natural skincare. Learning about the practice of rongoā Māori (traditional Māori healing) and discovering maramataka (the Māori lunar calendar) have led Mahuru to harvest the plants she needs in accordance with nature’s cycles. The Raglan/Whāingaroa local, of Ngāti Awa/Ngāti Ranginui descent, talks us through the science and soul behind her business.
What inspired you to launch Hau Botanicals?
A few things came together which germinated Hau Botanicals from a thought-seed to the little enterprise it is today. I’ve always had a passion for the environment, and as much as I love working in the science research realm, I wasn’t able to grow my passion for rongoā. I needed a safe space to learn, practise and enjoy the gift that is rongoā Māori, and what that means for me as a young Māori woman.
Hau Botanicals has provided me with a space to express
