Natural wellness is experiencing a resurgence, as people increasingly look to plant-based remedies and traditional herbal wisdom to support their health in a modern world. Across New Zealand and globally, there’s a growing appreciation for small-batch, transparent brands that prioritize local sourcing, ethical practices, and a genuine connection to the land. This shift is redefining the supplement and wellness industry—moving away from mass-produced, generic products toward remedies rooted in place, people, and purpose. At the forefront of this movement is Wild Dispensary, a Dunedin-based brand that harnesses the potent power of New Zealand’s wild botanicals to craft modern herbal remedies. Founded by a trio of passionate experts who live and breathe natural medicine, Wild Dispensary combines clinical knowledge with grassroots herbalism to create tinctures, syrups, oxymels, and glycerites that support immunity, digestion, stress relief, and overall wellbeing. Their approach is deeply hands-on—from sustainably harvesting native plants like kawakawa and elderberry in the wild, to carefully processing every batch under the guidance of a registered naturopath and medical herbalist. This commitment ensures each product is fresh, potent, and traceable, setting Wild Dispensary apart in a crowded market. More than just a producer of herbal remedies, Wild Dispensary embodies a holistic ethos that integrates environmental stewardship, community connection, and ethical business practices. Their Dunedin facility runs on principles of low waste and ethical employment, while innovative initiatives like bottle reuse schemes and partnerships with local conservation groups demonstrate their broader dedication to the planet. By maintaining close relationships with growers, landowners, and customers, Wild Dispensary fosters a transparent and intimate business model that resonates with eco-conscious families, wellness practitioners, and herbal enthusiasts alike. In doing so, they are not only crafting effective natural medicines but also nurturing a movement that honors the wild, regenerative wisdom of New Zealand’s native flora.
Built by People Who Live What They Practice
Wild Dispensary is the vision of three co-founders who live and breathe natural medicine, environmental responsibility, and community-driven values. Skye Macfarlane, the brand’s chief formulator, brings a rare combination of clinical expertise and grassroots herbal knowledge. With a Bachelor of Natural Medicine, postgraduate training in Public Health from the University of Otago, and leadership roles in New Zealand’s naturopathic associations, Skye is the scientific and educational heart of the company. She also grows many of the herbs herself—organically and sustainably—on Mihiwaka Vern Paddock, a block of land she shares with her husband Jed. Co-founder Ruth Vaughan brings her background in Environmental Science and native plants to the operation, leading the harvesting efforts and overseeing production, logistics, and sustainability systems. Gerald Davies, with experience in hospitality and business strategy, rounds out the leadership trio by managing operations, planning, and growth. Together, this small yet mighty team creates a uniquely intimate business model. Wild Dispensary’s operations aren’t run by distant executives or remote labs—they’re driven by hands-on, boots-in-the-field founders who genuinely live the lifestyle they promote. Their shared values of integrity, care, and curiosity shape everything they do—from wild harvesting on private Otago land, to late-night bottling sessions, to responding directly to customer questions. This authenticity resonates with their community, which includes local farmers’ markets, wellness clinics, eco-conscious families, and herbalists across the country. By maintaining a transparent and traceable production process and building genuine relationships with growers and landowners, Wild Dispensary has created more than a business—they’ve built a movement around empowered natural health rooted in place, people, and planet.
A Model for Ethical, Regenerative Wellness Business
Wild Dispensary is more than a brand—it is a statement about how modern wellness businesses can and should operate in harmony with the earth. Every decision they make, from their formulations to their packaging, reflects a holistic commitment to environmental stewardship and community wellbeing. Their ingredients are harvested with strict sustainability protocols, their manufacturing process uses minimal waste systems, and their Dunedin-based facility runs under ethical employment practices, proudly holding Living Wage accreditation. A pioneering bottle reuse scheme and ongoing waste audits show their serious approach to environmental impact, while partnerships with organisations like the Dunedin Wildlife Hospital illustrate a broader dedication to supporting local ecosystems. Even their packaging choices and digital systems reflect a consistent effort to reduce environmental harm at every level. But their influence doesn’t stop at their own product line. Wild Dispensary has become a trusted contract manufacturer for other herbal companies across New Zealand, offering everything from custom tinctures and glycerites to full-scale bottling and private-label formulation services. Their production facility and in-house herbalist team ensure that every outsourced project meets the same high standards of quality, safety, and sustainability as their own range. Whether providing elderflower syrup for immune support or crafting sleep tinctures for other wellness brands, Wild Dispensary serves as a guiding light in the industry—proving that small-batch, deeply ethical, locally rooted businesses can make a big impact. With every product, they invite consumers not just to heal, but to reconnect with the wild, regenerative wisdom of plants—and in doing so, create a healthier, more conscious world for all.
To know more visit:
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/wilddispensary
Website- https://wilddispensary.co.nz
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