Our story goes back to early 2011 when a group of doctoral students and lecturers created an informal Kava Appreciation Society at the University of Auckland. Our academic interest in kava quickly grew into a deep passion. Unhappy with the kava quality available in New Zealand, we embarked on a research and development journey with our Vanuatu friends to develop kava products that not only assured purity and cleanliness but also encapsulated the experience of drinking freshly harvested green kava, as has been done for millennia on the islands. Initially intended for our university gatherings, these products quickly gained a following, leading us to create a now globally renowned online shop. We’ve also co-created the famous Auckland's Four Shells Kava Lounge and established a network of dedicated retailers across New Zealand and in Europe. Learn more about our journey here.