Rongoā Māori: Plant chemical found in kōwhai helps smokers quit 3 Apr, 2021 10:58 PM 3 minutes to read A chemical found in many New Zealand plants - including the kōwhai - appears to be just as good as a more expensive medicine for helping people quit smoking. Photo / Tania Whyte A chemical found in many New Zealand plants - including the kōwhai - appears to be just as good as a more expensive medicine for helping people quit smoking. Photo / Tania Whyte A chemical found in many New Zealand plants - including the kōwhai - appears to be just as good as a more expensive medicine for helping people quit smoking.