Kōaka | Natural Skincare

Kōaka creates natural and sustainable skincare from organic New Zealand hemp. We understand that in order for our Taiao (natural environment) to heal and thrive, we must look to nature as the source of healing for our people too. We are shifting the way we care for each other and our environment. 

 

Our Roots | How It All Started

Kōaka started from an idea to make change. Our founders; Brad and Brendon, have been on a mission since 2017 to shift the way we take care of each other and our environment.  Developed by New Zealand Pharmacists out of the need for a natural and alternative skincare, Kōaka's products are designed to be simple and effective. Through using natural ingredients that Papatūānuku (Earth Mother) and Ranginui (Sky Father) provide, we are capable of healing in the most natural way. In January 2019, Kōaka's founders Brendon McIntosh and Brad Lake had been selling their nutritional hemp seed oil at the Riccarton Markets in Christchurch and were researching the benefits of hemp for skin health. 

Hemp seed oil is packed full of active botanicals, antioxidants and omega fatty acids, which provide amazing properties for our health. The evidence was clear that hemp not only provided benefits when taken internally, but can also be applied topically for maintaining, hydrating and nourishing our skin. This was the spark that lit the flame to create Kōaka.

Brendon and Brad knew that this discovery could be life changing, they knew this knowledge had to be shared with others. Nearing the end of 2019, they sought the help of esteemed Māori Pharmacist, Aleshia Johnson, who was on a mission to bring holistic healthcare into the mainstream practices of pharmacy. 

From humble beginnings, at the market stall offering a pure and natural moisturising serum to now having a range of organic hemp based products and being stocked in pharmacies throughout New Zealand, Kōaka offers a viable option for those seeking natural, organic and environmentally friendly products for skin care. 

Kōaka is loosely translated as simply meaning 'hemp' in Te Reo Māori, a national language of Aotearoa, New Zealand. Hemp is a plant of strength and toughness, but it offers so much more.