8 | REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Kakariki Olives T T Kelly Deeks Olives prove a fruitful enterprise Ray and Brenda Gregory’s Kakariki Olives is one of New Zealand’s larger boutique olive producers, pressing about 20,000 litres of oil annually. “Olive trees are a bit like apple trees, they need regular pruning and care.” For Ray and Brenda Gregory, a mid-life career change from trucking to olive growing has blossomed into a thriving business producing award-winning extra virgin olive oil under the Kakariki Olives label. Nestled in the Moutere Hills near Nelson, Kakariki Olives is now one of New Zealand’s larger boutique olive producers, pressing about 20,000 litres of oil annually. Yet when Ray and Brenda purchased the 11-hectare property in 2018, they knew very little about olives, only that they were ready for a new challenge after 23 years operating their own trucking business. The olive grove had been established in 2000 by John and Helen Dunlop, pioneers who stayed on for a year to mentor the Gregorys through the steep learning curve. “Their support was invaluable,” Brenda says. “They helped us understand that although olives are hardy, they still require a huge amount of work and commitment to produce top-quality oil.” Initially managing around 3200 trees, the Gregorys soon realised that scale was essential for a sustainable business. They invested in a second olive press, began offering grove management services, and now care for about 13,000 trees across the region. Ray heads up a small team that helps rejuvenate neglected groves, a process that can take up to three years to bear full fruit. “Olive trees are a bit like apple trees, they need regular pruning and care,” Brenda says. “Some of the groves we manage had been left for 20 years without proper maintenance, but with the right approach, they come back beautifully.” All fruit is harvested and pressed on-site using Kakariki Olives’ own Italian press, ensuring a short turnaround from tree to bottle. Kakariki Olives specialises in Tuscan varietals like Frantoio and Leccino, carefully blended to create premium extra virgin olive oils. Their products are fully certified to New Zealand and International Olive Council standards, a guarantee of quality and authenticity. A strong focus on direct-to-consumer sales has seen Kakariki Olives’ business grow substantially. Their online shop has boomed in the past year, supported by an efficient courier partnership with Post Haste, while their weekly presence at the bustling Nelson Saturday Market gives them valuable face-to-face contact with customers. “People come with questions and we can have a good chat with them,” Brenda says. “Many people don’t realise you can cook with olive oil, or that true extra virgin oil like ours has major health benefits, thanks to the polyphenols, powerful antioxidants linked to reduced inflammation and better heart health.” In addition to their classic extra virgin olive oils, Kakariki produces lemon, lime, and chilli-infused oils using fresh produce from growers in Kerikeri and Nelson. “These popular specialty oils are perfect for drizzling over seafood, vegetables, or salads,” Brenda says. Looking ahead, the Gregorys see increasing demand for high-quality olive oil as a health product, much like New Zealand’s famous mānuka honey. With their passion, perseverance, and premium product, Ray and Brenda have proven that life after trucking can be just as fruitful. For all your WOF, Servicing, Mechanical and Agricultural Contracting needs. 2a Appleby Highway, Richmond, Nelson Phone: 03 541 0556 Fax: 03 541 0566 Mobile: 027 425 3783 OPEN Mon-Fri 8am-7pm | Sat 9am-12pm ACCOUNTING MENTORING ADVISORY BOOKEEPING Your trusted teamof Accountants inNelson and Richmond. 03 5390661 letsgo@goaccounting.co.nz goaccounting.co.nz GROWN & MADE IN NELSON Nelson Sunshine in a Bottle ExtraVirgin Olive Oils Fresh & Vibrant Flavours kakarikiolives.co.nz AVAILABLE AT and select retailers
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