Great Barrier Island Bee Co Inspiration

The Inspiration….

Over the last 20 years I have developed a great understanding and appreciation for the “Barrier” and it’s unique environment. It was however a few summers back I was sitting on a friends deck which happened to be surrounded by flowering Manuka Trees that were alive with the sound of humming bees. This was rather timely as I was reading a book on the Barrier and came across a fascinating chapter relating to the pioneering of bee keeping on the island. Looking up, I wondered if honey was still produced on the island ? An idea was emerging.

Later on while making a regular drive into Claris I decided to stop at a small shack which was the local “Honey Museum” to find out a bit more about this unique island history. It was however upon opening this door that an idea then came to life !

In one day ....a book…bees …honey… …a museum …in a beautiful place inspired me to create this unique range

Range

Fortunately our family has a history in creating bath and body products and we are very aware of the amazing benefits of Manuka Honey to assist with nourishing and repairing the skin. Apart from utilizing 100 % “Barrier” Manuka Honey we have also blended other beneficial quality ingredients like Sweet Almond oil, Beeswax, Shea Butter, Propolis , Royal Jelly. Products contain no parabens, no synthetic colours, not tested on animals, but…. have been tested on Great Barrier Island locals with great results!

Packaging

The tin pots used are inspired by the 5 pound tin cans which were once used to ship the honey off the island, with the hot stamped wooden boxes looking like old packing crates. Emphasis overall has been to create an iconic “New Zealand” range with a timeless look that will be around for many years to come

With regard to naming the range we decided on the “Great Barrier Island Bee Co” which we feel is a reflection of the historical “co operative” approach to bee keeping and also due to the honey now coming from various properties around the island.

Appreciation

Many local people have had a major influence in the creating of this range which I am very grateful for. This includes Bruce and Cilla White our bee keepers up around Fitzroy for their time in educating us further about bees, hives and honey production. Also time spent at the Honey Museum with Dave Watson which provided a lot of visual inspiration along with meeting Bev & Les Blackwell and the Maybe family so we could hear about their incredible pioneering history of beekeeping on the island.

We now hope you and many others can enjoy this unique range which proudly utilizes 100% Great Barrier Island Manuka Honey .Enjoy

Kind Regards

Danvers Devereux