PAPATŪĀNUKU: A POWERFUL MOTHER
In the Māori worldview, Papatūānuku, the land, is more than just a physical entity; she is the giver of life, the nurturer of all beings, and the foundation of our existence. Her blessings are woven into the very fabric of our being, providing both sustenance and spiritual resonance to her children.
THE LAND OF GLISTENING WATERS
Nestled along the lower end of the east coast of the North Island, the Wairarapa is a breathtaking region of Aotearoa, only an hour's drive from the vibrant capital city, Wellington. Haunui-a-Nanaia, the grandson of the legendary navigator Kupe, bestowed upon this land a name that embodies its essence, “Glistening Waters”. As Haunui rested atop the Remutaka Hills, he gazed down at the fertile valley floor. The sun's gentle dance upon the rivers and lakes caused his eyes to water. Thus, Wairarapa earned its identity as the "land of the glistening waters," a name that pays homage to the beauty that unfolds at every turn.
THE HEARTBEAT OF THE RUAMAHUNGA
The Wairarapa owes its vitality to the rivers that criss-cross throughout its landscape, none more significant than the Ruamahanga River. Flowing from the Tararua Ranges down to Lake Wairarapa, this lifeline sustains the region's people, agriculture, and farming. Its tributaries, born from the embrace of the valley's ancient river terrace soils, are the arteries that feed the heart of Wairarapa.
A COVENANT WITH THE EARTH
Central to our philosophy is collaboration with growers who share our devotion to sustainable and organic practices. By honouring the land's legacy, we ensure its vitality for generations to come. Huntress proudly supports the organic wine-growing movement, a commitment to crafting wines that encapsulate the spirit of the Whenua, paying homage to the very essence that sustains us.