Meet Reni Wereta-Gargiulo, the Nelson maker behind Atutahi.
What started as kawakawa she was using for her own sore hands is now a range of drinks and pantry products built on native ingredients, gathered by hand and carrying her grandfather’s name.
Reni had been using kawakawa when the arthritis in her hands was bothering her. She began experimenting with it as a tonic, trying different flavour combinations, then took what she was making along to the local market. That led to a conversation with a local brewer about carbonation and eventually to Atutahi’s first bottled drink, Kawakawa Lemon & Lime.
Reni was already well established in Nelson food circles through Kiwi Kai, the Māori-inspired food business she had built around kai moana, whānau recipes and indigenous ingredients.
Today the range covers drinks and chutneys using kawakawa, kūmarahou, horopito and kānuka. The native ingredients are still at the heart of what Atutahi does.
What’s in the name
Atutahi is the name of Reni’s koro (grandfather). When she was looking for a name for the new venture, her cousin suggested it with the range later blessed by Atutahi’s son. For Reni, carrying her grandfather’s name brings responsibility with it. It connects the business back to whānau, whakapapa and the values behind the way Atutahi works.
Harvested with care
Native leaf and berries are gathered by hand. Tikanga guides the harvest and karakia is part of the process. As the business grew, Reni’s partner Andrew and the wider whānau became part of gathering and supplying the ingredients too.
Proud moments
2026 Outstanding Food Producers Awards, Silver Medal, Horopito & Tomato Chutney
2025 NZ Artisan Awards, Bronze Medal, Kawakawa Lemon & Lime
2025 NZ Artisan Awards, Bronze Medal, Kānuka & Beetroot Chutney
2024 NZ Artisan Awards, Silver Medal, Horopito, Blackcurrant and Boysenberry
2024 NZ Artisan Awards, Silver Medal, Kawakawa & Mango Chutney
In 2022 Reni won the Supreme Award at the MWDI Māori Businesswomen’s Awards.
Loved your Atutahi?
Explore the full range at atutahi.nz