When people buy flowers in Martinborough, they expect the assurance of locally grown and fresh.
That’s why two local growers are launching the 2025 flower season with a new “Locally Grown Martinborough” quality mark.
Long-established Martinborough Manor and newcomers Gravel Road Farmyard have joined forces to create the quality mark to assure buyers they are supporting local efforts and celebrating the seasons when they buy from Martinborough.
At least 25% of cut flowers sold in New Zealand are imported – from Colombia, India, Malaysia and other countries. And many more are shipped around the country from energy-intensive operations to feed a demand for year-round supply.
Martinborough Manor and Gravel Road Farmyard say their customers want flowers that are local and authentic.
Whether they are locals buying from a shop, or out-of-town visitors browsing a market in The Square or stopping at a roadside stall, people want to know the local story behind their flowers, says Penelope de Boer of Martinborough Manor.
“That is the real secret of regions like Wairarapa,” Penelope says.
“The sun, soil and climate are the essence of our local wines, and it is the same with flowers. That’s why people love it here and what makes us truly distinctive.”
Buying flowers that are locally grown and in season has benefits all round, says John Goulter of Gravel Road Farmyard. “People want to know they really are being sustainable and supporting local businesses, not generating air miles and carbon costs.”
From this season, both growers will be using the “Locally Grown Martinborough” mark on their sales, and sharing the benefits of growing local.
Both businesses will continue to operate separately, but as well as building the local flavour they will also be able to share flowers and resources to guarantee more continuity of supply for their customers.
