Taste Nature

All About Taste Nature's History

Taste Nature has a well-established reputation as ‘the organic shop’ in Dunedin. Despite major challenges over the years, Taste Nature has survived through the commitment of many dedicated people who have maintained the availability of a secure supply of certified organic food to the Otago community.

The shop was initially started in 1992 managed by Jim O'Gorman (aka Dirt Doctor) and traded as Silverpeaks Bay Products Ltd initially from Jim's garage and latterly from an old church in Dundas St and two locations in Lower Moray Place.

In 1995 the business became a Consumer Cooperative and Taste Nature Ltd was formed. At this time it moved to new premises at 59 Upper Moray Place. The shop benefited from a period of stability and steady growth until in 2003, it could be sold as an unencumbered, viable enterprise, and the Cooperative be wound up. John Gadd and Helen Davidson were involved in the day to day running and management of the shop throughout this period.

In 2001 Mark Dickson, a member of the consumer group and a small-scale grower in Waitati, became involved in Taste Nature as Assistant Manager. In 2003, he and Rayna were invited to purchase the business, which they did, forming Taste Nature (2003) Ltd. The loyal growers, suppliers and customers provided Taste Nature with a strong base from which the business could continue to grow.

2009 brought another change. Taste Nature moved from Moray Place to its present location in larger and brighter premises in the Bing Harris building in lower High St. This move enabled the development of a full kitchen and small delicatessen and the expansion of the gardening section. The range of stock was expanded at that time.

Mark and Rayna live in the heart of Waitati and grow produce for Taste Nature on their hectare of land with Jason Ross - Habitate Nursery. Taste Nature continues to support a wide range of activities related to sustainability in the local community.

Taste Nature's objectives are to:

Supply certified organically produced staple food to a cross-section of the Otago community

Trade fairly

Support local growers of organically produced food

Promote self sufficiency and sustainability in the local community

Provide information to consumers about growing and preparing organically produced food

Reduce, reuse, repair and recycle and use non-polluting products throughout our operation

Run a commercially viable business.