About t leaf T — New Zealand's Premier Tea Company Since 2005
t leaf T is the home of New Zealand's most extensive and exciting range of teas and infusions from around the world.
Our Story
In 2005, John and Amanda van Gorp embarked on a journey that would transform how New Zealand experiences tea. What started as a passion for exceptional teas from around the world has grown into New Zealand's premier tea destination — a trusted New Zealand business with over 20 years of experience.
Based in our own building in Petone, Lower Hutt, Wellington, we have a local, small and committed team. With over 160 premium teas and infusions sourced from quality suppliers around the world, all hand processed and packed at our facility, we're passionate tea lovers who are constantly evolving and learning – from each other, our suppliers and our committed customers.
When you shop with us, you'll always receive a true experience because we mean what we say and don't compromise on the quality of our service or our products. We encourage you to experience different infusions through smell and taste, explore the rich history of tea with our enthusiastic team and above all else, enjoy!
- 20+ years of tea expertise
- 160+ premium teas and infusions from around the world
- 100% New Zealand family owned
- Same-day dispatch if ordered by 3pm
- Hand processed and packed for premium quality
- Sourced from quality suppliers worldwide
Visit Us in Person
As well as online ordering and wholesale supply, we have a retail store in Wellington's CBD where you can browse, smell, and taste our full range before you buy — we encourage it. Our operations and fulfilment team are based at our own premises in Petone, Lower Hutt, where every tea is hand-packed and dispatched with care. Find our store addresses and opening hours.
Our Values
Five principles that guide everything we do:
Be Remarkable
We strive for 'wow' in everything we do — from the teas we source to the service we deliver. If we wouldn't be proud to be remarked upon for it, we don't do it.
Be Authentic
We honour our word and choose to do the right thing, always. No compromise on quality, no empty promises — just genuine passion and real experiences.
Inspiring Together
We share our knowledge and curiosity with our team, our suppliers and our customers. Great tea is better when it's shared, and so is great learning.
Lead the Way
We're constantly evolving — sourcing new varieties, refining our craft and challenging ourselves so that excellence becomes a natural consequence of what we do.
Be Safe
We believe excellence starts with safety. Our commitment to being safe encompasses the quality of our premium teas, the wellbeing of our team, and the nurturing of a workplace where everyone feels protected and valued. We take no shortcuts when it comes to the safety of our people or our products.
Meet Our Tea Experts
The passionate people behind your perfect cup.
John van Gorp
Mr. T and Sales
John began t leaf T in 2005 with his wife and business partner Amanda. He continues to oversee all facets of the business while still exploring new infusions and increasing our offerings. John can be found at our HQ in Petone every day with his trusty side-kick Tia, a beautiful chocolate Labrador who is also an integral part of the t leaf Team.
Go-to brews: Irish Breakfast, Earl Grey Excelsior, Restful, Gyokuro Kabuse.
Amanda van Gorp
Co-Founder
Amanda co-founded t leaf T with John in 2005. With her marketing background, she has been central to developing the brand vision: offering authentic and remarkable tea experiences and enabling customers to explore a far wider world of tea than they'd find anywhere else in New Zealand.
Favourite brews: Jasmine Silver Tip, Peppermint and Kawakawa Fire.
Anna van Gorp
Brand Champion
Anna has grown up living and breathing t leaf T. She started out supporting us at trade shows, then working in the retail store and in production. These days she leads the customer-facing aspects of our marketing and promotional activities — from packaging and point-of-sale design to everything you see on our social media.
Favourite brews: Anything Matcha!
Saz Scanlan
Customer Service Extraordinaire
Saz, our office manager, was actually the first employee of t leaf T back when it all began! After time away pursuing a culinary career overseas, she's back at the t leaf helm as John's right-hand gal, staffing the phones and organising everything else, keeping the show running like a well-oiled machine.
Favourite brew: New Zealand Breakfast — our Assam blend featuring New Zealand's own manuka.
Julia Hines
Production Plus
Julia, a mother of two, has been with t leaf T since the start of 2021, relocating back to Wellington after living in Hawkes Bay for a few years. She has loads of experience in food manufacturing: coffee, ice cream, raw juice and now, Tea! Julia runs the production department ensuring the team has all 160+ teas blended safely and beautifully packed, ready to go out to our wonderful customers!
Favourite brew: Wellington Breakfast by day, Restful by night.
Erin McLeod
National Distribution Manager
Our ability to promise same-day dispatch is made easy thanks to Erin. Joining the t leaf T family in 2014, Erin is our go-to person for getting all wholesale and retail orders out the door by 4 pm – EVERY DAY! Always on her feet and lending a helping hand to the rest of the team, this hard-working Mum of three constantly leads by example.
Favourite brew: English Breakfast with a splash of milk — sticking to the classics!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is t leaf T a New Zealand-owned company?
Yes. t leaf T is 100% New Zealand-owned and operated. We are a family business founded by John and Amanda van Gorp in 2005, based in Petone, Lower Hutt — and we've been proudly New Zealand-owned every day since.
When was t leaf T founded?
t leaf T was founded in 2005 by John and Amanda van Gorp, making us a trusted New Zealand tea company with over 20 years of experience sourcing and supplying premium teas and infusions.
Where is t leaf T based?
Our warehouse, production, and fulfilment operations are based at 64 Victoria Street, Petone, Lower Hutt, 5012 — just north of Wellington. We also operate a retail store in Wellington's CBD where you can explore, smell, and taste our teas in person.
What makes t leaf T different from other tea companies?
We've spent over 20 years building direct relationships with quality tea suppliers around the world. Every tea is hand-processed and hand-packed by our small, committed team in Petone. We offer same-day dispatch on orders placed by 3pm, we're 5-star rated on Trustpilot, and we genuinely love tea — it's not a product line, it's a passion.
Do you have a physical store I can visit?
Yes — we have a retail store in Wellington's CBD where you're welcome to come in, browse our full range, and try before you buy. We encourage it. Visit our Retail Stores page for the current address and opening hours.
Have more questions? Find answers about our teas, ordering, delivery, ethical sourcing, sustainability and more on our full FAQ page.
Ready to Experience Remarkable Tea?
Join thousands of New Zealand tea lovers who trust t leaf T for their daily cup — 5-star rated on Trustpilot and dispatched same day.