New Zealand’s Mānuka Honey Appellation Society (MHAS), with support of the Mānuka Charitable Trust, has chosen to withdraw from the Appeal of the UKIPO decision regarding protection of the term mānuka. Despite the withdrawal of the appeal, the Trust has filed a replacement application and is committed to continuing the fight to protect our Mānuka.
“These developments are for technical reasons and in no way dissuade us from our role as kaitiaki (guardians) to protect the mana, mauri and value of our taonga species, including Mānuka,” said Pita Tipene, Chair of the Trust.
“We remain resolute in protecting our reo Māori (language) and the precious taonga (treasure) and remain determined to protect what is ours on behalf of all New Zealanders,” he added.
“We know our international customers who have chosen to buy MANUKA HONEY over the last 20 years, do so because they know that mānuka is a Māori word originating from Aotearoa New Zealand, it’s authentic and high quality and that’s what makes it so special and in demand.”
“We have ongoing support for this kaupapa from Māori, iwi and across the industry and government. We have solidarity as we seek to protect our precious taonga,” said Pita
The Trust is strongly supported by Mānuka Honey Appellation Society (MHAS), UMFHA, Apiculture New Zealand, and New Zealand Beekeeping Inc.
Press release: Manuka Charitable Trust
Photo by Wolfgang Hasselmann on Unsplash
