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Our PAST
Building on a Legacy
From a family of winemakers, Diana Balich spent three years experimenting with native New Zealand botanicals, searching for a way to capture the essence of this land in spirit. In 1979, she perfected her recipe, creating what would become the original Tī-Toki Liqueur, Aotearoa’s first native liqueur.
Each bottle was a ceramic vessel shaped as a Māori tekoteko, a guardian watching over both spirit and story. Produced over the years by Orzel and Crown Lynn, among other incredible manufacturers, these vessels became iconic pieces of New Zealand design.
From the beginning, Tī-Toki stood proudly as a national icon, poured at tables, carried abroad and finding homes here and in distant lands. The tekoteko, from earlier years, appear on collectors’ sites and in antique stores.
Now, under new guardianship of artists Karuna and Todd Douglas, and with the award-winning National Distillery Company crafting a refined world class spirit, Tī-Toki Liqueur returns to today’s market, honouring its legacy while elevating it further, for collectors and connoisseurs alike.
Kua ora anō a Tī-Toki / Tī-Toki lives again.
Mid 1970s
The Experiment Begins.
Diana Balich, from a family winemakers, begins experimenting with native New Zealand botanicals including tītoki, kawakawa, and mānuka that she planted on her own land.
1979
After years of refinement, Diana perfects her recipe and releases Tī-Toki Liqueur. Each bottle is cast in a ceramic tekoteko vessel, symbolising guardianship and protection. During her tenure, Ti-Toki goes global while also riding on huge national success.
1979
Ti-Toki’s launch was held at Hoani Waititi marae, in Glen Eden. Prime Minister Robert Muldoon was presented with the official “001”.
1980
New Zealand Embassy opens in Washington, DC. Ti-Toki is the preferred pour.
1984
Crown Lynn takes over from Orzel in manufacturing the tekoteko vessels. Throughout the years, this highly skilled work will be handled five different manufacturers, including current owners, Karuna and Todd who came onboard in 2005.
1985
Billy T James was awarded an MBE for services to entertainment and was named Entertainer of the Decade 🤍
1985
Following the bombing of Green Peace boat, 'Rainbow Warrior', New Zealand bans all nuclear vessels from her waters, then in 1987 passes legislation making the country a nuclear free zone.
1987
A year with lots to celebrate. Te Reo Māori becomes an official language of New Zealand, and the All Blacks win the Rugby World Cup.
1990-91
Diana’s family vineyards went under on the back of global economic hardship, taking Ti-Toki down with them.
1992
Peter Parrish buys Ti-Toki out of receivership. Our research shows that it was around this time Ti-Toki became available onboard Air New Zealand flights.
1995
America's Cup is now New Zealand's Cup. Sir Peter Blake and the Black Magic crew bring home the America's Cup.
1998
Ti-Toki became hard to find in market. This sent Ti-Toki lover, Lloyd into search mode. He located Parrish and made him an offer he couldn’t refuse, keeping Ti-Toki alive.
1999
Lloyd was at the helm for seven years. During this time, he offered the manufacturing contract to Karuna and Todd Douglas. They were taught them the intricacy’s of making the iconic tekoteko vessel.
2006
Lloyd sold Ti-Toki to the Douglas’ who were the current makers. The Douglas', along with their friends the Hirsts, took Ti-toki under their guardianship.
2010-2020s
Ti-Toki is sold in Duty Free Stores throughout New Zealand, with frequent tastings held airside, at Duty Free Auckland.
2011 / 2015
The All Blacks are unbeatable, with back to back Rugby World Cup wins.
2022
Matariki is recognised as a national holiday.
2023
The Hirsts sell their share of the company to Karuna and Todd, who spend the next two years carefully planning and designing. They see themselves as custodians of something special, something uniquely New Zealand.
2025
Karuna and Todd engage the National Distillery Company to come up with a new, world class recipe. A new collectors edition is announced.
Today
Todd still hand makes every mould that forms each crock. Karuna still handles the individual glazing of every vessel. He mahi aroha. Ti-Toki is re-born.