A Northland produce grower has received certification under the new indigenous organic food label, Hua Parakore.
Whangaroa-based Kaiwhenua Organic Charitable Trust is run by Kaiwaka and Lyn Riki and they are one of three growers who have been awarded accreditation by the National Maori Organics Authority - Te Waka Kai Ora.
Mr Riki says getting the label has made a difference to local sales and the extra demand has allowed them to ensure customers pay their bills on time.
"We told them that if you don't pay on time, other people want our produce so we'll go elsewhere and all that's stopped."
