About Us
The Company
Natural Solutions Ltd was formed in 1994 to develop and market a range of natural skin care products based on the Manuka Oil produced at Te Araroa on the East Cape of New Zealand's North Island. This followed the discovery that the Manuka trees growing in this small isolated area on the East Cape contained an essential oil in their tiny leaves that possessed powerful curative properties.
The Place
Te Araroa is a small township perched alongside the sea on the north-eastern tip of the remote and rugged East Cape of the North Island of New Zealand. The region is rich in natural beauty with bush covered hills and fresh clean flowing streams. The beaches and rocky coves abound with fish and shellfish. The area is blessed with ample rainfall and hot summers.
The People
The population of the district is around 1200 most of whom are of Maori descent. Maori are the indigenous people of New Zealand. The Maori culture is strong and the Marae is a place of importance for communal gathering. The Manuka trees grow wild on the hills of Maori tribal lands. It is harvested by the local people and supplied to the company for processing. The Company has also retained strong local ownership.
The Plant
"Manuka" is the Maori name for Leptospermum Scoparium, a native tree of New Zealand. It grows widely throughout the country and is found at altitudes ranging from sea level to subalpine and in many varying climates. Its role in the native forest is to nurture, protect and enrich the other native trees during infancy as a new forest is regenerated.
| These trees grow prolifically on the East Cape. They are often found in harsh and exposed terrain and subjected to wild, wet and windy climatic conditions and still they thrive! The stubborn strength of these trees is imparted to the essential oil, which is stored in their leaves, which in turn protect the tree from attack by bacteria, fungi and insects. At flowering time these plain sometimes scraggy trees emerge heavily cloaked in small, delicate white flowers attractive to the bees which collect its nectar to produce a rich amber honey which is also known for its health giving properties. |  |
Through their essential oils, leaves and honey the East Cape Manuka have begun to share their secrets with us and to share the source of their profound strength and durability.
You can also now share the strengths of this wonderful plant through Natural Solutions East Cape Manuka products.