WHERE TRADITION AND SCIENCE MEET
Matakana Essentials is a natural body and home care brand born from the land it comes from, blending native botanicals with science to restore and protect the skin.
Founded by local Kym Bracewell, of Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāi Te Rangi, and of European heritage, the brand combines traditional knowledge with modern formulation. Each product is designed with simplicity, quality, and integrity in mind, infused with the soothing properties of native plants and a gentle citrus fragrance.
“The ingredients in these products can be found here on our land,” says Kym. “I wanted to create something that reflects this place and its natural surroundings.”
Developed in Matakana, the range features naturally derived, scientifically backed bioactive botanicals, including kawakawa, mānuka honey, and mānuka leaf. Each ingredient serves a specific purpose: kawakawa is known for calming and restoring the skin, mānuka honey draws in moisture, and mānuka leaf helps to protect the skin’s natural barrier. Together, they form the foundation of the brand’s nature-led, science-supported approach.
Matakana’s unique environment – from native bush and open farmland to the surrounding coastline – shapes the brand’s approach to care and formulation. From ingredient selection to packaging, each stage is guided by respect for the region and an understanding of the balance it represents. This philosophy extends to the soon-to- open Matakana Essentials headquarters, a timber barn bordering ancient native bush. The building will serve as a workshop for future product development, giving visitors an insight into the environment and process behind the brand.
With this foundation, Kym delivers a collection of natural body and home care products that are grounded in science, crafted with care, and designed for those who value thoughtful design and a genuine connection to place. Understated yet effective, Matakana Essentials captures the essence of the landscape and lifestyle that inspire it, offering a sensory experience that embodies both the beauty and balance of Aotearoa.