AUCKLAND, Today: Wai Mānuka, the Mānuka honey-infused beverage brand, has been named the first-ever recipient of the Te Whakatairanga Grant by oOh!media NZ and Whāriki Māori Business Network.
The win comes with a national media package, shining a spotlight on Wai Mānuka across oOh!’s out-of-home network – all timed perfectly for Matariki celebrations.
Designed with oOh!’s Studio team, the campaign uses proximity-based creative to point shoppers straight to local stockists. It’s a major visibility boost for the growing brand.
“Te Whakatairanga is about creating meaningful visibility for Māori businesses and celebrating their excellence in public spaces,” says Mark Banbrook (Te Rarawa), National Sales Director of oOh!media NZ.
“Wai Mānuka’s campaign does exactly that by blending tradition with innovation to deliver a product built for Aotearoa and abroad.”
Wai Mānuka combines Mānuka honey, lemon juice and sparkling water to create a refreshing non-alcoholic drink. It’s already made waves in the US and Japan.
“Our vision has always been to take a distinctly Māori product ki te ao – to the world – and this campaign allows us to deepen that kaupapa here at home.” – Joseph Harawira
The brand was started by mates from the Bay of Plenty and is now focused on growing at home, especially during this season of renewal and reflection.
The campaign also honours Māori values of manaakitanga, whanaungatanga and aspiration, positioning Wai Mānuka as a drink that celebrates heritage while looking ahead.
“Our vision has always been to take a distinctly Māori product ki te ao – to the world – and this campaign allows us to deepen that kaupapa here at home,” says Wai Mānuka CEO and Co-Founder Joseph Harawira.
“We’re proud to share our story during Matariki – a time to pause, reconnect, and celebrate together.”
Wai Mānuka was chosen by a panel of judges from oOh!media and Whāriki. Applications for the 2025 Te Whakatairanga Grant opened in May.
The campaign runs until 25 June, marking the lead-up to Matariki. Whāriki GM Renée Smith (Ngāti Ranginui, Te Ātiawa) says it’s all about creating visible impact.
“We’re grateful to partner with oOh!media on Te Whakatairanga. This kaupapa creates real, visible impact for our businesses, like Wai Mānuka, Theirs is a brilliant example of Māori excellence, and we’re proud to support a platform that helps share their story with Aotearoa,” says Smith.
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