The Story of Mushroom Mate

Growing local mushrooms, sharing bold flavour, and supporting our community.

How It All Started

Mushroom Mate began in South Auckland with my Year 8 daughter’s school sustainability project. Living in the city without much garden space, we wanted to grow something meaningful using what we had. We started experimenting with oyster mushrooms using recycled buckets, used coffee grounds from a local café, and barley straw.

We had no background in mycology, so we learned everything from scratch — researching, experimenting, and figuring it out as we went. When we grew our first mushrooms successfully, we were amazed at how simple and rewarding it was. What started as a school project quickly became a family passion.

Along the way, we discovered that many of New Zealand’s native and endemic fungi are under threat. That gave us a deeper purpose — not just to grow mushrooms, but to help raise awareness and support the preservation of our unique local species.

Our Urban Mushroom Farm in Hunua, South Auckland

Today, we grow oyster and lion’s mane mushrooms on our small urban farm in Hunua, South Auckland. We also work with trusted local growers to source portobello and shiitake mushrooms.

Supporting local growers is important to us. It means fresher ingredients, fewer food miles, and stronger local food networks. Every mushroom we use reflects our commitment to keeping things local, sustainable, and connected to our community.

We also produce grow-your-own mushroom kits so kiwi families, schools, and communities can experience the same excitement of growing mushrooms at home.

Creating the Mushroom XO Spread

Our Mushroom XO Spread was inspired by the shrimp paste I grew up with in Filipino cooking — a bold, savoury condiment full of deep umami flavour.

Because shrimp paste isn’t something we can produce locally, I turned to mushrooms as a sustainable alternative. Using oyster and lion’s mane mushrooms we grow ourselves, along with locally sourced portobello and shiitake, I created a plant-based version that delivers the same rich, satisfying depth.

Each batch is made by hand in small quantities to ensure quality and minimise waste. Every jar is packed in recyclable glass, reflecting our commitment to sustainability from start to finish.

For me, Mushroom XO Spread is about honouring my Filipino roots while creating something local, sustainable, and accessible — a taste of tradition, reimagined here in Aotearoa. 

Our Forager’s Mushroom Salts 

Our Forager’s Mushroom Salts were created to showcase mushrooms in their simplest, most versatile form.

We grow oyster mushrooms and freeze-dry them at their peak to lock in flavour and nutrients. They’re blended with himalayan rock salt and natural ingredients like pepper medley, garlic, and chilli to create balanced, deeply savoury seasonings.

They’re designed to be easy to use — a simple sprinkle that adds depth and umami to everyday meals, from eggs on toast to roast vegetables or the BBQ.

We use the whole harvest wherever possible, ensuring nothing goes to waste.

Why Mushrooms Matter

Mushrooms are one of the most sustainable foods we can produce. They turn agricultural by-products into nutrient-rich food while using far less land and water than animal proteins.

By growing and using local mushroom species, we help support biodiversity and reduce reliance on imported products. It’s a small but meaningful way to care for our environment.

Sharing Knowledge and Supporting Community

Education is a big part of what we do. I love running workshops and demonstrations, helping people grow their own mushrooms and discover new ways to cook with them.

We also support our local community by sourcing from nearby growers and donating surplus products to community initiatives and cultural groups. It’s important to us that nothing goes to waste and that our work benefits others.

Mushroom Mate is about more than products — it’s about connection, learning, and sharing.

From Our Family to Yours

What started as a simple school project has grown into a small urban mushroom farm and food business built on curiosity, sustainability, and community.

Every kit, every harvest, and every jar we make reflects our love for mushrooms and our commitment to doing things thoughtfully.

From our family, thank you for being part of our journey.