The name ‘Athena Olives’ may sound a bit old world for an olive grove deep in the South Pacific. Athena, the grove’s namesake, is a goddess from Ancient Greek mythology who might be best known for her warrior attire and wisdom.

One of the stories from those ancient times tells how Athena bestowed the gift of the olive tree to the city of Athens after they chose her as their protector god (they had the choice of olives from Athena or a salt spring from the sea god Poseidon....great choice Athenians!).

Since these ancient times, olives have become a treasured and essential component of Mediterranean culture and cuisine.

The grove was named Athena by the founding owners, the Clausen’s, who were pioneers of olive growing in North Canterbury from the mid-1990s.

For us, keeping the name was important. It acknowledges that we are the beneficiaries of the previous owners' work establishing and looking after the grove, connecting us to the history of olive growing in Canterbury.

The name also links our EVOO to the Mediterranean homeland of the olive tree and the numerous cultures having olive oil at the heart of their food traditions.

For further info on the Athena’s connection to the olive tree:

https://www.oliveoiltimes.com/world/the-olive-tree-and-the-rise-of-athens/128031