In addition to glowing reports on her website, fans of Karen Brunton’s Haumanu Natural Products report they also have glowing skin.

Karen, of Ngāti Tūwharetoa ki Kawerau descent, founded Haumanu Natural Products after she developed a Kawakawa Salve which effectively treated skin complaints like skin rashes, eczema, cold sores, nappy rash, insect bites and burns.

Having successfully marketed and sold her Kawakawa Salve, and received such a positive response from her clients, she knew she had found a niche for Rongoā Māori in the market.

That was over a year ago and following that success, Karen developed Haumanu Sports which inhibits and treats sports related complaints like wet-suit chafing, blisters, cuts, minor abrasions and salt sores. Her product has been used and endorsed by Shaun Quincey, the second person after his father to row solo across the Tasman.

Karen also realised that there was a need for a natural head-lice product. So alongside developing her Kawakawa and sports salves, she worked on creating an effective shampoo and head-lice lotion. She is now the sole supplier for Crazy Critters.

Karen accessed resources offered through Te Puni Kōkiri and received support through her Māori Business Facilitation Service mentors, Tania Kelland and Ken Hill. She says their support has been paramount in establishing a successful small business