The Dance of the Tui and Harake: A Story of Beauty and Balance. Native Skincare Solutions: Uncover Sanflora Wellbeing's New Zealand Secrets
- Sandy Ruegg Thepthong
- Nov 5
- 7 min read
When I first began exploring the world of skincare, I was drawn to the gentle touch of nature. There’s something deeply soothing about knowing that what you’re applying to your skin comes from the earth itself. Over time, I discovered how native skincare solutions can transform not only your skin but also your daily self-care rituals. These plant-based treasures invite us to slow down, breathe deeply, and nurture ourselves with kindness.
Let me take you on a journey through history and the benefits of embracing native skincare solutions, sharing insights and practical tips that have enriched my own wellbeing. Together, we’ll explore how these natural gifts can become a beautiful part of your everyday life.
The history and use of New Zealand’s native plants
(From the book “THE MEANING OF TREES”, BY Robert Vennel)
From the very first moment humans arrived in New Zealand, plants have been shaping the human story. New Zealand’s plant life has found its way into every facet of human life: food, shelter, medicine, transport, hunting, warfare, science, and spirituality. The roles plants have played have constantly shifted, depending on the time, place, and people. Plants have been viewed as enemies, friends, and even family. They have been treated as scientific oddities and valuable commodities. They have been seen as links to a forgotten past and keys to the future. Around 750 years ago, Polynesian explorers landed on the shores of Aotearoa New Zealand. What they discovered was a land of forest, far larger than all of the islands in Polynesia put together. Every square inch of land, from the sea to the towering mountain tops, was brimming with plants. Along the coastline, scarlet-red Pohutukawa blossoms would have lit up the forest canopy like wildfire, while the shiny green leaves of harakeke waved at the explorers from the shoreline. As they paddled further along the coast, they would have seen flocks of kereru gorging on orange karaka berries, and heard the deafening sound of a thousand tui, each defending its own golden kowhai tree. As they ventured into the dark forest interior, they would have seen a curious assortment of shrubs competing fiercely for sunlight, carpets of moss dripping with water, giant tree ferns shading the forest floor, and herds of moa grazing the forest understorey.
Early Spring; or, A Narrow of the Waikato River, 1881, Auckland, by Kennett Watkins (Te Papa)
The strange and unusual plants the travelers discovered here therefore held the key to survival in New Zealand. If they were going to make a life here, they would need to learn the secrets of these new plants. So these groups of early Polynesian explorers became the first scientists in Aotearoa. With hard-won knowledge they learned which berries and roots were safe to eat, and which were deadly poisonous. They experimented with different weaving materials and techniques to create warmer clothes that could withstand the colder weather. They applied herbal medicines and studied their effects. They developed new crops of native plants and refined the best methods for growing them. For the expert tohunga, the forest represented a pharmacopeia, a storehouse of herbal medicine (Rongoa).
For millions of years, New Zealand’s plants had remained in isolation from the rest of the world. But after the arrival of the Endeavour, they went global. Captivated by the glowing reports from the journals of the Endeavour, entrepreneurs set sail for New Zealand eager to capitalize on the vast supplies of timber and flax. Traders collected kahikatea spars along the banks of the Waihou River and bartered with local Maori for harakeke fiber. Not only had plants drawn these explorers from the other side of the planet, but they were the backdrop to some of the earliest and most extensive interactions between Pakeha and Maori. Today, the benefits of our healing plants are scientificly proven and the benefits of using them in holistic healing and natural skincare is becoming popular again.
Embracing Native Skincare Solutions: A Gentle Path back to Nature and back to You
Native skincare solutions are more than just products; they are a celebration of the land’s unique flora and the wisdom carried through generations. These formulations often harness indigenous plants, oils, and extracts that thrive in their natural environment, offering potent nourishment and healing properties.
What makes native skincare so special is its harmony with your skin’s natural rhythms. Unlike synthetic alternatives, these products tend to be free from harsh chemicals, artificial fragrances, and preservatives. This means they are less likely to cause irritation or disrupt your skin’s delicate balance.
Native New Zealand botanicals like manuka, kawakawa, and harakeke (flax) are renowned for their antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing qualities. Incorporating these into your routine can help soothe sensitive skin, reduce redness, and promote a healthy glow.
Here are some simple ways to start integrating native skincare solutions into your daily ritual:
Cleanse gently with plant-based oils or balms that remove impurities without stripping moisture.
Hydrate deeply using serums or mists infused with native extracts.
Protect and nourish with creams rich in natural antioxidants and fatty acids.
By choosing native skincare, you’re not only caring for your skin but also supporting sustainable practices that respect the environment.
Native plants like manuka, kawakawa and harakeke are key ingredients in natural skincare.
What is the Best Skincare Brand in NZ?
If you’re wondering where to find authentic native skincare solutions, consider to support small local brands that are in touch with our land and have a passion for our native plant heroes. At Sanflora Wellbeing, a Queenstown-based company, we are dedicated to crafting natural skincare products that honour New Zealand’s unique flora.
Sanflora Wellbeing combines traditional knowledge with modern expertise to create products that are gentle, effective, and deeply nourishing. Our commitment to using ethically sourced ingredients and sustainable packaging reflects a holistic approach to wellbeing.
At Sanflora we have a focus on mindfulness and self-care. Our products invite you to slow down and connect with your skin in a meaningful way. Whether it’s a soothing face oil or a calming aromatherapy blend, each item feels like a small act of kindness towards yourself.
If you’re curious about trying native skincare solutions, exploring Sanflora’s range is a wonderful place to start. Our offerings cater to various skin types and concerns, making it easy to find something that feels just right for you. Explore our range of Native Skincare.
Sanflora Wellbeing offers a range of native skincare solutions crafted with care.
The Science Behind the Magic: How Native Ingredients Nourish Your Skin
It’s fascinating to learn how native plants work their magic on our skin. Many of these botanicals contain bioactive compounds that support skin health in gentle yet powerful ways.
Take Manuka essential oil, for instance. This aromatic plant extract is celebrated for its antibacterial and wound-healing properties. Applying manuka-infused products can help calm inflammation and promote skin repair, making it ideal for those with acne-prone or sensitive skin.
Kawakawa leaves, another native treasure, is one of New Zealand's most loved native plants - and for good reason! It's a powerhouse ingredient in natural skincare, treasured in traditional Maori healing for its soothing and restorative properties. It can help calm redness, irritation, and inflammation. It's wonderful for eczema, psoriasis, acne, or sensitive skin, offering gentle relief without harsh chemicals. It's active compound myristicin supports the skin's natural healing process, making it excellent for dry, cracked, or damaged skin.
Harakeke, or New Zealand flax, provides a natural source of mucilage - a gel-like substance that locks in moisture and creates a protective barrier. It acts like a humectant, drawing water into the skin to keep it plump, dewy, and hydrated without greasiness. This makes harakeke-based creams and gels excellent for hydration and skin barrier support. Harakeke contains antioxidant and essential fatty acids that help fight free readicals, supporting skin repair and protection against environmental stress. Have you ever seen our native birds like the Tui feeding ont the Harakeke Nectar? Harakeke nectar is a high-energy food for our birds, it fuel their lively calls, playful flights, and bursts of song. In Maori tradition, the relationship between the Tui and Harakeke reflects balance and recipocity - both giving and receiving. Isn't that a beautiful metaphor for us Natural Healing Lovers. Naure working in harmony, beauty feeding beauty, and each element suporting the other's vitality.
Understanding these ingredients helps us appreciate the thoughtful craftsmanship behind native skincare solutions. It’s not just about what’s in the bottle, but how these elements work in harmony with your skin’s natural processes.
To get the most from these ingredients, consider:
Patch testing new products to ensure compatibility.
Layering lighter serums before richer creams and oils for optimal absorption.
Using products consistently to allow your skin time to respond and heal.
Creating Mindful Self-Care Rituals with Native Skincare
One of the most rewarding aspects of using native skincare solutions is the opportunity to cultivate mindful self-care. These products encourage us to slow down and engage our senses - the soft texture of a cream, the subtle earthy scent of native botanicals, the gentle warmth of an oil as it melts into the skin.
I like to start my mornings with a mist of Manuka water, a good layer of my Manuka Honey Day Lotion and few drops of a nourishing face oil, massaging it in with slow, circular motions. This simple act feels like a quiet conversation with my skin, a moment of gratitude and intention.
In the evenings, I use my hydrating and calming Harakeke night cream infused with native extracts to unwind. The ritual becomes a gentle reminder to release the day’s tension and invite relaxation.
Here are some tips to create your own mindful skincare routine:
Set aside time each day to focus solely on your skincare, free from distractions.
Engage your senses by noticing textures, scents, and sensations.
Breathe deeply as you apply products, connecting with the present moment.
Reflect on your skin’s needs and adjust your routine accordingly.
By weaving native skincare into your daily life, you nurture not only your skin but also your overall wellbeing.
Why Choose Natural Skincare Products for Holistic Wellbeing?
Choosing natural skincare products is a gentle yet powerful way to support your skin and your spirit. These products align with a holistic approach to health, recognising that our skin is a living organ that reflects our inner balance.
Natural formulations tend to be rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that protect and rejuvenate. They avoid synthetic chemicals that can disrupt the skin’s microbiome or cause sensitivities.
Moreover, embracing native skincare solutions connects us to the land and its rhythms. It fosters a sense of stewardship and respect for the environment, encouraging sustainable choices that benefit future generations.
When you choose products from brands like Sanflora Wellbeing, you’re supporting a vision of wellbeing that is mindful, plant-based, and deeply rooted in community values.
I invite you to explore these natural treasures and discover how they can enhance your self-care journey. Your skin will thank you, and your spirit will feel nourished.
In the quiet moments of caring for your skin, you create space for healing and renewal. Native skincare solutions offer more than beauty - they offer a path to gentle, mindful wellbeing. Let’s embrace these gifts from nature and celebrate the radiant, healthy skin that blossoms when we nurture ourselves with love.
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