Prize win to fund Far North business duo’s

We’re excited, because this came at the perfect time to support the launch of this water product we’ve been working to develop. James Moore, Taipa Salt Pig and Ocean

Water Co founder

Popular Far North artisan salt makers James and Yasmin Moore say they’re thrilled with a recent competition win, with the $5000 cash prize to fund an essential step towards achieving a circular economy.

On Tuesday, Bank of New Zealand (BNZ) announced the four winners of its inaugural Market Made competition — a nationwide search for New Zealand’s up-and-coming small business success stories, born out of a market.

The Taipa Salt Pig, which makes about a third of its sales at markets and shows — including Kerikeri’s Packhouse Market — was selected from a total of 213 entries.

Founder James Moore said the win provided a boost of support at just the right time, and the cash would fund an important development in an affiliated business, Ocean Water Co.

“I’ve entered a lot of grants and competitions recently, so it was really nice to finally have a win,” Moore said.

Their prize also included a Samsung Galaxy Z flip-phone, a BNZ Business Financial Healthcheck, and paid promotion on BNZ social channels to the value of $2,500.

“We’re excited, because this came at the perfect time to support the launch of this water product we’ve been working to develop.”

Potable desalinated water is a byproduct of the salt-making operation, meaning the businesses essentially feed each other.

Moore said they would use the cash to fund the production of 750ml glass bottles for use in a ‘swapper crate-type’ system at restaurants.

Labels will be laser-etched onto the bottles, meaning they can be removed, sterilised and reused.

“So as long as you return your bottle, your next purchase is just the water. This means we can compete on price with the likes of water company Antipodes.”

This in turn will create a circular economy, an idea Moore said customers were becoming more aware of.