Taste Nature, Dunedin

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 was restructured 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. John Gadd and Helen Davidson were actively 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 and Taste Nature supported a wide range of activities related to sustainability in the local community. Mark and Rayna lived in the heart of Waitati and grew produce for Taste Nature on their hectare of land with Jason Ross - Habitate Nursery. The property was sold in 2018 with the hope that it will continue to operate as a market garden and nursery. In 2018 Mark and Rayna sold Taste Nature to local naturopath Tracey Loughran and business manager Clinton Chambers who continue to operate Taste Nature under the umbrella of Rata Health Limited. This transition marks 25 years of Taste Nature's commitment to supplying the Otago community with organically produced food. 

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.