The Insider's Guide to New Zealand
Something special to eat
Dr Isaac Flitta was designing an eco-hive for beekeepers when he was stung with a realisation. During his research, the French-born, Langs Beach-based product designer had become rather infatuated with the small insects. “I can get drunk from watching bees. They're intoxicating. They're perfectly imperfect – graceful and clumsy at the same time. They're masters of communication; they tell you when they are sick or starving, or angry.” It was by selfproclaimed sheer luck that he got into the honey business – he invested in a few hives, which happily produced 300kg of honey in the first year. It turns out there's only so much that can be offloaded to friends and family, so he turned his thoughts to business. He had 150 hives within two years, and now produces up to 9000kg of honey from 300 hives through his brand Happy Beekeeping or HBK Ltd. They sell manuka and bush honey and products both nationally and internationally – and if that wasn't enough, Isaac also designs all products, packaging and formulas, while also lecturing at UNITEC, developing an apiculture course at NorthTec and fostering a beekeeping community in Bream Bay.
By happy coincidence, Isaac's partner Sara Samavati has a diploma in organic skincare and with an abundant supply of active ingredients propolis and manuka honey to hand, moving into the beauty industry was a natural fit. Isaac and Sara sell Éclat (French for radiance) via their online store, and in boutique health stores nationwide. “In business, you must innovate or die. You may not end up where you thought, but it shouldn't stop you from going for it.”
021 216 6152, happybeekeeping.co.nz