 |
 |
||
|
|
About Us Mamfiri Oils is a company owned and operated by John and Harieta Bennett. The company is located in Itu'muta district on the Polynesian island of Rotuma in the western Pacific Ocean. Harieta is a Rotuman by birth; John was originally from Rhode Island in the United States but has spent many years as a teacher and businessman in Fiji and Rotuma.
Mamfiri Oils began operations early in 2003 when John and Harieta recognized the great potential of Rotuma's hefau trees (Calophyllum inophyllum) for producing a naturally healing oil from its nuts. They were motivated to promote the industry because it provides sorely needed income for women on the island, and because it encourages Rotumans to utilise their traditional medicinal plants. Rotumans have been aware of the healing attributes of hefau oil for centuries, but western medical practitioners discouraged its use. There is now a resurgence of interest in the oil as Rotumans have come to recognize the limitations of western medicines. John and Harieta provide quantities of oil free to healers on the island and to parents of children with dermatosis. Otherwise they provide it at a nominal fee to cover the costs of bottles and labour. Email contact: fijibotanicals@hotmail.com |
