Article by BR Natalie
When I first arrived in this land I now call home, I was a little surprised at just how passionate about NZ businesses people are. And how proud of being Kiwi companies brands are. Kiwi owned. Kiwi business. Made in NZ. Local business. It's emblazoned on store fronts, products and adverts. Being Kiwi isn't just national pride - it's an actual selling point.
And it's not just on home turf that slapping a 'Made in NZ' label on a beauty product will sell volumes - the international market can't get enough of what NZ has to offer, with several local brands being stocked around the globe.
As a Pom I feel I can take an impartial view on NZ brands. Trust me, something being declared 'British' in the melting pot that is back-home doesn't really define anything other than, 'made on that funny shaped island that looks a bit like a lady kicking a ball' Being declared 'Kiwi'? It definitely evokes clear connotations.
What comes to mind when we showcase a product from an NZ brand? What have we come to expect from a Kiwi skin care or cosmetic company?
To answer this I decided to (all very scientifically) find the common ground between companies, regardless of product range or size. I compiled a word cloud from the 'About' pages of 10 Kiwi brand websites. And it answers the question perfectly.
Kiwi beauty brands just feed into the belief (and thriving sector of the industry) that natural is best for our bodies. And it seems that by starting from this beautiful landscape a brand is on the right path - all they need to do is to continue to be guided by the land around them. Any great product starts with great ingredients. Ingredients that have been used for centuries before being overlooked for fancy packaging, glossy advertising and long ingredient list.
Sustainably grown local ingredients. Recyclable packaging that won't harm the land that has gifted us with the power of these ingredients. Giving back to the local communities that support the brand and help them grow. Combine these factors with good ole Kiwi ingenuity and it's no surprise that Kiwi Beauty Brands are a force to be reckoned with.
So the fascination with NZ brands? Well I think it has to do with the fascination of NZ itself. This magical, mystical country that is Narnia and Middle Earth. This quiet nuclear free country that's peacefully tucked in one far corner of the world, going about doing it's own thing. Focusing on the core of something instead of the shallows. NZ beauty brands are loved because they don't hide behind anything - they stand up loud and proud without the BS we see so often.
My bathroom is being overtaken by Kiwi brands for the same reason any household repairs involve Duct Tape or Number 8 Wire. They simply get the job done.
So how about you? Are you in love with NZ beauty brands? Is it important to you to support your local brands? When looking for a new product do you opt to try Kiwi first? Or do you not get the hype?
Get chatting below!
I always support NZ brands before overseas brands first,it is much easier and quicker to buy within NZ then it is abroad,not to mention safer when buying online.I prefer the money I spend to go back in to our own economy rather then to a business overseas.But in saying this,if I do find a good bargain from an overseas business that I can't find here then I do tend to shop abroad.