Welcome to The Kava Society - the source of New Zealand's finest kava and all the information you need to enjoy your kava sessions.

Kava is an ancient plant and a beverage that has been consumed for social, cultural, medicinal and political reasons for millennia. Originally from the islands of the South Pacific, kava has become popular around the world. It’s valued for its ability to promote relaxation without diminishing judgement or mental clarity.

While some drink it for a relief from stress, anxiety or insomnia, most consume it for recreational or social purposes. For many users, kava is a pleasant, slightly stimulating drink that relieves fatigue, relaxes the body after hard work or effort, clarifies the mind and brings a sense of well-being. As such, kava is often seen as an attractive, non-addictive and healthier alternative to alcohol. When consumed alone, kava promotes peaceful contemplation. When shared with with family and friends, kava can induce meaningful conversation, peaceful exchanges and cooperation.

With its proximity to Polynesia and Melanesia as well as with its large Pasifika population, New Zealand is one of the world's biggest centres of kava drinking.

Yet, while the quantity of root consumed in Aotearoa is high, the quality of many kavas sold and drunk around the country leaves a lot to be desired. Similarly, popular knowledge about kava's properties and culture remains limited and mired with misconceptions and misunderstandings. As a result, many kiwis drink non-noble, impure and mediocre kava, or are not interested in drinking kava at all, considering it to be little more than useless "muddy water".

In order to address these issues, as well as to have a good time, a group of academics from the University of Auckland has come together to create an informal society dedicated to the joyful consumption of fine kavas, kava advocacy, as well as promotion of the kava culture and pure, noble kava varieties from around the Pacific. Additionally, we’ve established a small shop aimed at making it possible for kiwis (and others) to access some of the world’s most excellent kavas.