With many businesses around the country impacted by the restrictions imposed to control Covid-19, supporting local is more important than ever right now. So, we’re giving a shout out to some of our favourite brands (and neighbours!) from our very own beautiful Tasman/Nelson region. You’re sure to love these HealthPost approved brands and their five-star products as much as we do.
Tui Balms
Crafted by the residents of Tui Community – Golden Bay’s community village for holistic living – every Tui Balm product is skin-soothing, moisturising and healing and made from quality natural ingredients. Originally created in the early 1980’s, Tui Balms have been tried, tested and loved for over 3 decades and are now a household must-have, from first aid kits, bathroom cupboards to nappy bags. Today, Tui Balms provides local paid employment for 15 part-time staff in rural Golden Bay, and since 2008 are a registered charitable organisation, each year donating the profits to registered charities.
Bestseller: Tui Balms Bug Balm "This is the best i have used lots of insect repellents and this one is so nice and last the longest." - Anne W, 5 stars.
Golden Heart
Hailing from Takaka, Golden Bay, Golden Heart was founded by two sisters who believe that the foods that fuel our body should support our health and care for the environment. That’s why their super nutritious and delicious Chai and Turmeric drink products are not only bursting with flavour and goodness, they’re made using premium organic ingredients and are free of sugar, dairy and gluten. Better yet, their delicious Organic Chai drink took out top spot in our Best of Natural Awards for the best tea, tonic and elixir category.
Bestseller: Golden Hearts Organic Chai Drink “Great local product and so easy to use. Yum!!” – Greg, 5 stars.
BioBalance
Founded in Collingwood, our sister company BioBalance is renowned for its high-quality supplements and natural health products, as well as its ethical business practices. One of the few B Corp Certified Kiwi companies, BioBalance supplements are leading edge supplement technology for superior bioavailability, are cruelty-free, GE free and meet strict New Zealand Food Safety Authority and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards, plus all ingredients are organically sourced where possible.
Bestseller: BioBalance Liposomal Vitamin C “Easy to use and is a great boost to my immune system.” – Julie, 5 stars.
Oxygen
Nelson local, Alana Riley, is passionate about helping young adults to reach their true potential. Aware that problematic skin conditions can impact self-esteem and confidence, she founded Oxygen, a skin care range to gently cleanse, tone, heal and moisturise the skin using New Zealand plant ingredients. Every Oxygen product contains organic hop extract, which helps to combat blemishes and redness, while helping to improve skin texture and delay the visible signs of ageing.
Bestseller: Oxygen 2-in-1 Cleanser “Absolutely the best product I have ever used.” – Jessica, 5 stars.
Kolorex
This family owned company from Nelson owns the world’s only sustainably managed commercial plantation of 30,000 native Horopito plants on the edge of the Kahurangi National Park in Golden Bay. Backed by over 20 years of research, and with a long history of traditional use, Kolorex uses New Zealand’s own Horopito to support the body’s microflora balance naturally. With a range of effective supplements as well as nourishing creams and soothing washes, Kolorex can help to support the gut microflora as well as calm itchy or irritated skin.
Bestseller: Kolorex Intimate Wash “I wish I had known about this years ago. It is very effective and gentle.” – Heather, 5 stars.
BioHoney
An innovative Nelson company, the BioHoney team of ‘bee guardians’ are dedicated to the ethical and sustainable production of natural raw honey, soothing Manuka throat lozenges and effective natural skin care products that honour the vital part that bees play in the ecosystem. As such, they only work with master beekeepers that prioritise bees over profit. BioHoney’s new sister company, the New Zealand RAW Honey Company, is also worth a mention! Located in Nelson, their honey is raw, straight from the Master Beekeeper hive’s, and single batch. You can scan the QR code to find out exactly where the bees foraged for the honey in your jar! Scooping up a gold and two silver medals in the 2019 London International Honey Awards for their RAW Rata honey, you can count their delicious honeys to be full of flavour.
Bestseller: BioHoney Vitamin E Cream “I have been using this cream for about 5 weeks and I can truly say that it is an amazing product. I love to use it under makeup because it doesn't go oily and my makeup stays on all day.” - Lisa, 5 stars.
Do Gooder Eco Floss
Founded by dentists, Do Gooder are devoted to products that work well and are better for the planet. Their Eco Floss trades traditional plastic floss for strands made of Mulberry silk and coated with natural mint flavour and candelilla wax, resulting in clean teeth and a product that is biodegradable, sustainable, and comes in eco-friendly refillable glass bottles.
Bestseller: Do Gooder Eco Floss Silk Floss Refills “It smells great, feels great, works great and HealthPost has it for a good price.” – Heather, 5 stars.
Clean Earth Soaps
Lovingly crafted in Golden Bay, Clean Earth soaps use only nature’s best ingredients. Using a base of olive oil along with organic coconut, hemp and uplifting essential oils, these handmade soaps gently clean and nourish skin. Made without foaming agents, detergents, synthetic fragrances or dyes, these earth-friendly soaps are ideal for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
Bestseller: Clean Earth Natural Shampoo Bar “Absolutely fantastic, the best one I’ve tried and really proud it’s made and sold in New Zealand” - Di, 5 stars
Wildflower
Another Golden Bay local, founder Sharon Campbell created the Wildflower herbal products range in 1994. Handcrafted using 100% natural ingredients, all the herbs in the Wildflower range are lovingly and organically grown at Fantail Forest, where Sharon lives with her family. With natural essential oils, beeswax, herbs and plant oils, Wildflowers handmade massage oil, healing balms and bug spray are a must have for every bathroom cupboard.
Bestseller: Wildflower Aphrodite Massage Oil “Absolutely divine fragrance, and luxurious feel on the skin. My top choice of massage oil!” - Dianne, 5 stars.
Mister Chai
Nelson husband and wife team, Tim and Jess, founded Mister Chai back in 2013, and since then have become well established in New Zealand. With a love of chai, a passion for human rights and sustainability, and Tim’s qualification in herbalism, Mister Chai was born. Sourcing only the finest quality of Fair Trade organic teas and spices across India, Tim and Jess hand-blend them to delicious chai powders full of health supporting benefits.
Bestseller: Mister Chai Organic Loose Leaf Tea Masala “This is not an exaggeration; this chai is warming and a perfect mix of spice. I love it any time of the day. It is naturally sweet and helps me with any mid-afternoon cravings " - Tania, 5 stars.
Urban Hippie
Founded by Takehito Maeda, Urban Hippie’s range of miso products are made traditionally using 15 years of chef knowledge, skill, effort, and love.Teaming up with Motueka locals, Rachel and Gareth, Takehito takes New Zealand grown organic soybeans and natural sea salt from Blenheim to create the Urban Hippie range of miso paste, miso dressing, misomite and umami salt. Carefully fermented and handcrafted in Nelson, these are a must have for every home cook to add flavour and versatility to every dish.
Bestseller: Urban Hippie Miso Paste “This is the best miso I have tried. A great flavour and NZ made.” - Mia, 5 stars.
Now more than ever is a time to support local and, if you can, a fantastic time to explore our very own backyard. If you’re lucky enough to make it along to our little part of the world, Golden Bay, be sure to visit the Takaka Village Markets on a Saturday and get a taste of some of the local brands that reflect the culture of the region.
For more adventures and sights not to be missed, read our blog on why Golden Bay should top your travel list. This special part of Aotearoa is worth a visit any time of the year.