Organic NZ – September 2019

Advocate • Connect September/October 2019 17

Feature

Plant based Source of Omega 3

Available in 250mls & 500mls

Cold pressed extra virgin oil

Provides MCT oils

Light protected, recyclable

packaging

Made from NZ grown

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Supports a ketogenic diet

Unique blend of oils

formulated to give

the best omega

3 & 6 balance.

As featured in the recently

published book ‘Take Charge’

http://www.itookcharge.co.nz

VEGAN GLUTENFREE NATURAL100% RAW SUGARFREE

T

he thought of being a little family
business going up against big
corporations with big money and big
influence was intially a daunting prospect
for Seleno Health’s co-directors, Dr Corin
Storkey and Sally Huapaya.
However, after only three years of
operation the company won the 2019
Organic Brand of the Year Award (part
of Organic Week’s celebrations in May).
“This made us realise that seeing an issue
in the world and creating a sustainable
solution resonates with the values of Kiwi
customers,” says Corin.

How it all began
Corin met Sally while holidaying in Peru
over five years ago. Now they are partners
in life and business. Corin, who has a PhD
in medicinal chemistry, had been working
for a global pharmaceutical company. Sally,
an industrial engineer, was working in the
finance sector. Both packed in their jobs
and set up Seleno Health.
“Having worked in the corporate
world we felt unfulfilled. Seleno Health is
a blend of our experiences and strengths.
Sally focuses on the production, traditions,
processing and social responsibility aspects
of the company and I focus on research,
science, analysis and education,” says Corin.
Seleno Health produces a range of
organic maca products (USDA certified)
in Peru. Maca is a small, bulbous root
vegetable with a distinctive malt-like
flavour, which Corin and Sally source from
Florencio and Yraida Aquino’s farm, high
up in the remote Peruvian Andes region of
Junin.
They also run an eco-tourism venture
in the Aquinos’ village of San Jose de Quero.
It’s a unique cultural exchange experience
for Kiwi tourists, while demands for farm

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Maca facts

Opposite: Sally Huapaya and Corin Storkey. Above: Red, yellow and black maca

Photos: Seleno Health

homestays and tourist guides are a welcome

source of employment and income for the

locals.

Helping people with chronic

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The partnership enables them to assist

the Peruvian community Sally’s family

originates from, and to work with

New Zealanders dealing with chronic

inflammatory conditions. Back in 2004,

aged 23, Corin was diagnosed with

chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Now fully

recovered, Corin draws on his personal

experience and professional expertise to

run health education workshops around

New Zealand for people suffering from

the likes of CFS, fibromyalgia, colitis and

rheumatism.