02/07/2026
A very special day at Zealong Tea Estate as we celebrated 30 years of growing New Zealand tea.
Surrounded by friends, partners, dignitaries and supporters, we took a moment to reflect on a journey that began with one bold vision: to create world-class, 100% organic tea, proudly grown here in New Zealand.
It was an honour to welcome The Honourable Todd McClay MP, Minister for Trade and Investment and Minister of Agriculture, as our guest speaker, together with The Honourable Mike Butterick, Associate Minister of Agriculture.
We also reflected on founder Vincent Chen’s vision and determination. Thirty years ago, very few people believed tea could be commercially grown in New Zealand. Today, we’re incredibly proud of how far that vision has come.
One of the moments that resonated most came from CEO Gigi Crawford, who shared that while she’s proud of everything Zealong has achieved, what she’s proudest of is the people. Watching the team grow, develop and achieve things they never thought possible is one of the greatest rewards of the journey.
Looking back over the past 30 years, it’s clear that Zealong has always been about more than tea. It’s about people, relationships and a shared belief in doing something extraordinary.
Thank you to everyone who has been part of our story.
Here’s to the past 30 years, and to everything still to come.
Hamilton City Council, Waikato NZ, Waikato District Council, Waikato NZ, Hamilton City Council, EMA
