Rooted in Legacy: My Home, Land & Sea Story
Toni Austen is an entrepreneur and subtropical grower from Northland, New Zealand, who operates the business Austenz Ltd. She is also a subject in the television show “Home, Land & Sea – Northland Bananas” on Whakaata Māori.
A Plant-Focused Journey
Austen’s business, which includes Austenz Ltd and her other venture, “Grown n’ Steady”, started during the 2020 lockdown when she and her children moved back to Kaitaia. She describes this period as a “plant healing journey.” Her passion for plants stems from her family, who have been growing tropical and subtropical plants for over 50 years. This legacy is a key part of her business, as she incorporates her family’s traditional knowledge with modern technology.
One notable plant in her family’s collection is the Philodendron ‘Austentatious,’ a hybrid bred by her late uncle. The plant is provisionally protected and was named to honor her uncle and the size of its foliage.
Watch the full episode here.
Vision and Legacy
For Austen, her work is about more than just growing bananas and other plants; it’s about legacy. She sees her business as a vision that extends far beyond her own lifetime. She aims to be a role model for her children, encouraging them to pursue their dreams. The Māori proverb, “mauri mahi, mauri ora” (life is for living), resonates with her and reflects her belief that life is about striving for better outcomes for both current and future generations. She attributes her success not only to hard work but also to wairuatanga (spirituality).