How It All Began
![How It All Began](http://websterstea.co.nz/cdn/shop/articles/Leaving-the-Tea-Shed-4-reduced_960c1a7a-5c41-4a01-9b9b-d581b73a9f8c.jpg?crop=center&height=1875&v=1716978025&width=1500)
I'm often asked "Tea… how did you get into that?” Growing up in a tea loving family, tea has always been more than just a thirst quencher but an important ritual. Today I'm getting nostalgic, so pop the kettle on and curl up with your favourite tea as I share the vision that inspired me to start Webster’s.
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0063/0708/6407/files/Lake-Moraine_1024x1024.jpg?v=1716976798)
Young and fresh out of uni, I had no desire to settle down, and instead, travelled through Asia, eventually landing in Canada, where, by chance, I came to work for a tea company in the Rocky Mountains. This was where I truly fell in love with tea and I was hit with the realisation - the standard for many Kiwi’s had become crumby tea bags, filled with low-grade tea dust!
So I founded Webster’s Tea in 2016, a year of humble beginnings. I set up a small operation in a shed on the outskirts of Tauranga - here's Dad below helping with the painting. While we’ve moved and grown considerably since then, the mission is the same now as it was back then; to improve the standard of tea in New Zealand. I believe tea is more than just a drink, it should be a delightful ritual.
My first tea ritual starts usually early, with a mug of English Breakfast or Earl Grey brewed for 3 minutes (I find that’s the sweet spot). I take a moment to myself before the day begins and my 2 young kids wake up like howling banshees. If that hasn't woken up my wife Ash I will with a cup. Making each other tea is a nice gesture we continue to do for each other throughout the day. Drinking tea is a simple ritual, but it can be a meaningful one.
![Webster's loose leaf tea](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0063/0708/6407/files/New-Packaging-_March-2024_-86_1024x1024.jpg?v=1717023339)
See, that’s why I've spent the last 7 years perfecting our blends to offer you something worthy of taking a moment to pause and enjoy. Our range of premium, organic loose leaf teas promise better taste, vibrant aroma, and an experience that stands out.
Here’s how you can get started:
-
Order 3 free samples here - Choose from our selection of premium teas and get three free samples delivered to your door. Pay only shipping.
-
Be sipping better tasting tea in days - Experience the difference in quality and flavour with our carefully curated blends.
- Quality guaranteed - If our teas aren’t everything you hoped for, we’ll refund the shipping cost.
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0063/0708/6407/files/Tea-Wholesale-NZ---Ash-and-Mark_1024x1024.jpg?v=1713862884)
We’re thrilled to be part of your tea journey, even if you’re just getting started, and I can’t wait to share our tea with you.
Here’s to good tea,
Mark and Ash