About Hibiscus Solutions | The Kaikaha Story
Who We Are
Hibiscus Solutions is a New Zealand and Australia-based supplier of functional ingredients and technical solutions, serving the food, nutraceutical, cosmetic and industrial sectors.
As part of the Kaikaha Group, we combine deep technical expertise with long-term supplier and customer partnerships across Australasia.
The Kaikaha Story
Kaikaha means strength, resilience and determination. It reflects who we are, where we’ve come from, and how we continue to grow.
Our story begins in 1977, when Mike Alston started working in the scientific and technical field at Repco Engineering Foundry. In 1985 he became General Manager of Hayes Metal Refineries, a non-ferrous ingot manufacturer.
After many years in leadership — and two years travelling — Mike founded Metcast Services Ltd in 1997, delivering products and technical expertise to New Zealand’s molten metal industries.
From August 2000, together with shareholders Steph and Gordon, Metcast grew into a dominant supplier of foundry ingredients across New Zealand. Strong customer relationships and quality global suppliers became the foundation of the business.
In 2013, Hibiscus Agencies was acquired and rebranded as Hibiscus Solutions. This marked a strategic expansion beyond the foundry industry into future-focused sectors including food, nutraceuticals and cosmetics.
By 2018, we moved into purpose-built offices in Highbrook, Auckland. With multiple trading brands operating from one location, the Kaikaha Group was formed — unifying our organisation under a shared identity and long-term vision.
In 2022, we undertook a full brand refresh, modernising our visual identity and expanding our digital presence. The rebrand strengthened alignment across the team and reinforced the value of a unified group identity.
Today, with operations in both New Zealand and Australia, Hibiscus Solutions continues to grow while remaining grounded in technical capability, integrity and enduring partnerships.
The Meaning Behind Kaikaha
The name Kaikaha was offered to us by respected Taranaki elder and scholar Ruakere Hond.
Within Te Reo Māori, Kaikaha is written as one unhyphenated word. It connects closely to related terms such as whaikaha and taikaha, which refer to inner strength, capability and personal power.
As a unified word, Kaikaha represents being driven, motivated, progressive and collectively focused.
We are honoured to have this name. Kaikaha reflects our connection to Aotearoa, the Pacific and Australia — and our commitment to sustainability, community and our people.
Our People
Our people have been the difference at every stage of our growth.
From the early days of Metcast Services through to the expansion of Hibiscus Solutions, our team has built trusted relationships, deep technical knowledge and a strong collaborative culture.
Our people bring energy, focus, expertise, friendship and action. They support, collaborate and celebrate with one another to ensure the success of our customers, suppliers and community.
Kaikaha is not just our name.
It is our foundation and our future.
Quality & Compliance
Hibiscus Solutions maintains an MPI-approved, ISO 22000, and ISO 9001 certified warehouse facility in Highbrook, Auckland. Along with our robust national 3PL logistics network, we provide seamless distribution coverage across New Zealand and Australia.