Tawaka Mushrooms grow on native Tawa trees and are used in Rongoā Māori, which is a traditional healing practice that often uses medicinal native plants. Tawaka Mushrooms are considered to have great health benefits. 

Mushrooms connect to each other through a network of mycelium, which connects individual plants together. The connection allows them to transfer nutrients, water, nitrogen, carbon and other minerals to help each other survive. It's all about sharing, tātou tātou. 

This deep connection and caring nature of the Tawaka Mushroom inspired the decision behind the name Tawaka Arts & Gifts. We recognise that all things are connected and aim to help where help is needed. The well-being of our planet has a direct correlation with the well-being of everything on it - so we need to protect and preserve what we have left.