Ngāti Waewae have gifted treasured pieces of their Pounamu to Reefton Distilling Co. to sit in a specially commissioned filter, which all water used to make Little Biddy Gin will touch.

These world class spirit will now carry the wairua (spirit) of the West Coast to the World.

A sense of place

Both Ngāti Waewae and Reefton Distilling Co. share an affinity with the mountains, rivers and waterways of Te Tai Poutini (West Coast). They also share a deep respect for the people who call this special place home.

Ngāti Waewae are mana whenua and are active leaders within the wider West Coast community, with representation on each of the four West Coast councils and numerous boards.  They are also proactive in creating employment and educational opportunities for their people, with a particular focus on youth.

Reefton Distilling Co. Founder and Chief Executive, Patsy Bass, also believes in an intergenerational perspective, which was embedded in her thinking during her seven years working at Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu. 

Patsy speaks of how the distillery has had a positive impact on the local economy, helping to attract new people to the region, providing jobs for the next generation, so that they might stay there and raise their own families, contributing to the community and vibrancy of the region. 

Patsy says that she feels fortunate to have learned first-hand of the significance of Pounamu.  Patsy’s daughter and granddaughter are Ngāi Tahu, and as a proud ‘Coaster’, Patsy had imagined filtering the pristine water used in the production of Little Biddy Gin and Moonlight Creek Whisky over Pounamu, so that it would carry the very essence of the West Coast in every sip.

Patsy Bass (left), Reefton Distilling Co. Founder and Francois Tumahai (right), Chair of Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Waewae with Pounamu touchstone. Photo Credit: Reefton Distilling Co.

Honouring Te Tai Poutini

In recognition of Reefton Distilling Co.’s positive impact on Te Tai Poutini, Ngāti Waewae have gifted treasured Pounamu from the Arahura River. 

Ngāti Waewae have also gifted the distillery a magnificent, large Pounamu touchstone, which was sourced from Toaroha, a river which flows from high in the Southern Alps, into the Hokitika River. This will soon be installed at Reefton Distilling Co.’s visitor centre in Reefton. As visitors to the distillery touch the stone and smooth it over generations, they will leave a little of themselves in the history of this iconic business.

Ngāti Waewae Chairman, Francois Tumahai, commented that, “the gifting of Pounamu to Reefton Distilling Co. is a recognition of the ethos of the company and its commitment to its place here in Te Tai Poutini.” He went on to add, “the betterment of the lives of our young people is also a strong value that we each share.”

With pristine West Coast water filtered over revered Pounamu, each drop of Reefton Distilling Co.’s premium spirits will now carry the wairua of this remarkable region. Filtered beneath the mountains and through the lush rainforest for thousands of years, and imbued with the cultural significance of one of Aotearoa’s most sacred treasures.

This connection between spirit and tradition makes each bottle a true celebration of the West Coast's rich heritage and untamed natural wilderness.  Capturing the spirit of the land, the culture, and the heritage.