The History of Aotea Holdings: Sharing the Best of New Zealand with the World

Peter Hanson, the founder of Aotea Holdings, served as a Colonel in the New Zealand Army during the 1970s. On his daily trips to the Papakura Military Camp in Auckland, he noticed a small gift shop that caught his interest. When the shop came up for sale in 1979, Peter and his wife Joan took over, transforming it into a tourism retail store offering authentic New Zealand products for international visitors. The store began modestly, with only five employees, yet it was driven by big ambitions and heart.

The First Aotea Store in Auckland

In the early years, Peter and Joan focused on selling sheepskin products and pounamu (greenstone), catering to tourists traveling between Auckland and Rotorua. As the business grew, they expanded their offerings to include locally made health supplements, beauty products, and Manuka honey, meeting the increasing demand for genuine New Zealand souvenirs. Over time, additional stores opened in Auckland, Rotorua, Christchurch, Dunedin, Tekapo, and Queenstown, each stocked with a wide range of premium New Zealand products.

Passing the Torch: Richard and Donald Hanson

In the 2010s, Peter and Joan’s sons, Richard and Donald Hanson, joined the family business. Under their guidance, Aotea expanded further, developing unique New Zealand brands such as Kapeka and Avoca , while continuing to source the finest local products for customers around the world. The company maintained its commitment to quality, authenticity, and New Zealand craftsmanship.

The Hanson Family Legacy

Peter and Joan Hanson were deeply involved in charitable and social causes throughout their lives. Like many New Zealanders, they balanced their business commitments with an active lifestyle, enjoying travel, skiing, boating, gardening, and mountain biking. Peter’s dedication to family and community was evident, and his legacy continues through the next generation. He passed away in 2019, leaving behind a family that carries his values and vision forward.

Aotea Today: A Brand You Can Trust

Since 1979, Aotea has been committed to bringing the best of New Zealand to the world, serving more than 8 million customers over four decades. Today, Aotea remains a trusted brand, known for authentic products, exceptional quality, and dedication to customer well-being.