I’m often asked how I began Living Nature,
so for those of you who are interested, here it
is
Living Nature began on a day back in 1987 when
I knew I needed to find something with direction
and that I felt driven about. Having studied analytical
chemistry (by mistake), art history, art, various
natural therapies to various degrees, I knew several
things:
I wanted to do something that was honourable
trading (needing to feed my family)
That highlighted the importance of keeping
New Zealand unpolluted
That involved New Zealand native plants
That was involved in health and the well
being of people
It had to be environmentally sound and not
include the use, exploitation or abuse of animals,
people or the environment.
I also needed to be able to work from home.
It needed to not be dependent on the weather
or the local economy.
From these seeds the idea was born, firstly to
produce medicines, and then after studying further
the human organism, I realised how important the
skin is to our health and how it reflects internal
health. I then realised not only did I feel passionate
and inspired by the idea of skin care, but instinctively
knew how it worked and that there really were not
many products or people that dealt with it holistically.
I wanted to make creams that had wonderful textures
and worked, not greasy balms that most people
didn’t like using on their skin.
My own history of severe acne, both on my face
and back, made me decide to work with the condition
of acne first. I did not like using oily creams,
and began making gels that cooled, soothed and
did not clog the skin. Our New Zealand native
plant Harakeke (Flax, but different to the Linseed
flax Linus) has a great gel that while a bit tricky
to extract forms a great base for other active
ingredients.
Because I didn’t realise that plant-based
preservatives hadn’t been invented yet, I
didn’t realise it was such a difficult thing
to achieve, and set about finding health giving
ingredients that also prevented moulds and fungi
forming.
I was delighted that the first gel made from
Harakeke, Manuka honey and Manuka essential oil
worked so well for my acne condition. And so it
began …
Today
It seems only yesterday that the project began
but it is now 17 years later. As I see my first
son grow taller than me and into a young man,
Living Nature has grown into a more mature business.
We've been through many mistakes, bad decisions,
good decisions, lots of luck and support from
friends, customers and other business people.
We are still situated in Kerikeri, New Zealand,
and supply customers in many parts of the globe.
Our team of over 70 people are really enthusiastic
about promoting New Zealand and providing wholesome
skincare for the rest of the planet.
You'll be able to see on our site the full range
of products that are available to you. We are
working with various groups to grow more plants
and much of our time is spent trying to convince
our government to protect our unique position
here in NZ by promoting an organic and GE-free
environment.
Tomorrow
We're always bringing out new products and have
several that will be launched over the next year..
We will hugely be focusing on awareness of GE-free
ingredients, and more medicinal ingredients from
our New Zealand shores. Click Here to view our product range.
Why Made in New Zealand
New Zealand is very isolated and there are many
areas that have never been sprayed or contmainated
with pollutants. Many of the plants are unusual
and have evolved differently to other countries
which have prolific mammals.
The majority of our skincare products are derived from
New Zealand plants. As the raw material industry
in New Zealand grows, we will be expanding this.
The issues that are important for New Zealand
is to focus on how precious this land really is,
and to protect its shores as a unique place on
the planet.
Living Nature is based in Kerikeri, a rural town
of New Zealand with a population of under 10,000.
The staff and I all enjoy this special place,
with beautiful rivers and coastline, native bush
and an abundance of warmth in the people who live
here. New Zealand people on a whole are pioneers,
adaptable to constant change which has helped
in the creation of Living Nature. The people accept
and encourage new ideas, always looking outside
the square for new and innovative solutions.
Our factory here is based on several acres along
with a retail shop and clinics. Our plants are
all grown away from our premises on land far away
from any roads.
