Pictured (L-R): Derrick, his father Jack, and his mother Judy.

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS

On returning from many years away working and travelling, Derrick's love of the land drew him into beekeeping back in 2010, a hobby that has since become an all-consuming passion.

A passion to find success in a sustainable business that aligns with the beauty of New Zealand's natural environment, which in turn produces delicious, world-class, premium honey.

ORIGINS

The subtropical far north region of New Zealand is steeped in history and culture (read more here). In fact it was right here in Northland that modern New Zealand was founded, when Maori and Europeans came together in the Bay of Islands to sign the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840.

Although New Zealand has native species of bees, none are suitable for producing honey. The familiar golden and brown species of honeybees (Apis Mellifera), were brought here by English settlers for honey production and pollination. The first documented introduction of these bees was via our beautiful Hokianga Harbour in 1839.

KAITIAKI

Within Maori beliefs, lies the basis of a very close relationship and understanding between people and the surrounding world – sky, sea, land, rivers, lakes and the creatures that live there. The relationship is built on a bond of kinship, trust, respect and dependence on each other.

Kaitiaki is a guardian of these elements and Kaitiakitanga (or guardianship) forms the core values that guide our business growth as we strive to always produce high quality, 100% natural, authentic, raw honey in harmony with our natural environment.

Meet the team

Derrick and Ange

Our Managing Director and his wife manage the day-to-day running of the business whilst raising their two young children. Derrick began his beekeeping journey with a grand total of 10 hives! Ange looks after the admin, marketing, product dispatch, general enquiries and accounts.

The Workforce

They say that behind every great man lies an even greater woman, or, in Derrick's case, a few hundred thousand of them! To make quality honey you need quality bees, and our specially bred hybrid of Carniolan and Italian honeybees offer us the perfect blend of temperament and productivity.

Security

Derrick's faithful companion for over 11 years, Loui (RIP) the neo-mastiff was our head security officer and possum eradication specialist. His trusty team of side-dogs (Lexi and Loki) have now taken over providing round-the-clock security that's second to none! Although to be fair, you're more likely to find them curled up on the couch asleep... But don't let that fool you!