Project Local: Webster's Tea

Where does your passion for tea stem from and how did Webster's Tea come to life?

The idea for Webster’s Tea actually came to life while I was working for a tea company in the Rocky Mountains in Canada. That’s where I fell in love with tea and realised how much better it could be compared to the standard that many Kiwis had come to accept – low-grade tea bags filled with dust.

Determined to raise the bar of tea in New Zealand, I started a small operation in a shed on the outskirts of Tauranga. We’ve grown since then, but our mission is still the same: to deliver premium, organic loose leaf tea that elevates the everyday tea experience. 

How long have you been brewing up goodness, and how has the journey been so far?

I’ve been crafting our offering for, coming up, 8 years! Reflecting on it, it’s been a journey for sure, full of growth and learning. 8 years is a long time but on the other hand I feel like it’s day 1 and I still wake up with that same exitement.

What core values do you hold onto at Webster's? What makes you different from other NZ Tea Companies?

Put simply, taste. I’ve spent the last 8 years perfecting our tea blends to offer a quality product worthy of taking a moment to pause and enjoy. Our range of premium, organic loose leaf teas promise better taste, vibrant aroma, and an experience that stands out.

Past the product we pride ourselves on service. We’re a small, family-run business, and we’re deeply invested in the experience our customers have with our brand.

What's your favourite thing about living and working on the East Coast and what's the support like from your local community?

Our local community has been fantastic – we’ve had so much support from people here in Tauranga, specifically Te Puna where our shop and operations are based.

I truly love living and working in Tauranga. I was born and raised here and like any other 18 year old I couldn’t wait to get out. After living in various other cities and travelling the world I realised everything special about Tauranga that I previously took for granted: the relaxed lifestyle, the beach, rivers, the list goes on. So I’m back, I started Webster’s and also a family. 

What’s one of the biggest lessons you've learned in business along the way

OOOoooo so much! It’s taught me that everything in life and business is one big work in progress. You could say I’m a perfectionist but I’ve found those tendencies often only get in the way of progress. While attention to detail is definitely important, I’ve learnt at some point you have to step back and let go. Nothing’s perfect and some mistakes are inevitable. You’ve got to learn from them and push forward. Of course, easier said than done haha. 

Do you have a personal favourite blend, or is there one that has a special place in your heart?

Our Earl Grey blend is one that I’m particularly proud of. I guess it’s an example of my last point. 8 years ago it was a completely different blend, and honestly, not one I was particularly happy with. Through listening to customer feedback and refining the blend, it’s now BY FAR our most popular tea. It’s more dessert-like compared to traditional Earl Greys and it’s not uncommon to find elaborate love notes from our customers about it in our inbox - we love it.

Where do you source your ingredients from and how do you ensure their quality?

Our ingredients are sourced from organic, sustainable farms around the world. The tea plant is native to China and India, where there’s ideal growing conditions. In our opinion, this is where the best tea is grown, which is why the majority of our tea leaves come from these regions. Quality is everything to us.

In addition to our imported teas, we proudly offer two NZ native blends – Kawakawa and Mānuka – both of which are grown and harvested in Waikato. 

What role does sustainability play in your process? Are there any eco-friendly practices you’re especially proud of?

All of our teas are certified organic, sourced from farms that prioritise sustainable practices. This means no harmful fertilisers or pesticides are used. By avoiding these practices, we ensure our teas are as natural as possible. Tea is a natural product, I believe it should be kept that way.  

What exciting things are brewing for the future of Webster’s? Any cool projects or plans on the horizon?

We’ll be shipping to Australia soon, and offering subscription plans on our website too. Not to mention a limited release tea ahead summer of coming out next month (November). It’s a rooibos tea base, fruity, and makes an incredible iced tea - that’s all I’m saying for now! 

Anything else we should know about?

We’re extremely excited to be working with Volaré! Thank you so much for the opportunity to share our story and tea with your customers : )