Meet the maker behind our relaxing eye pillows
I am Pauline, the face behind, Miel des Collines, oh and my two best companions, Emma and Rita.
My story with Miel des Collines really started in 2014, when I decided to travel the world after working as a communication manager for 8 years. I didn’t know then that I would become a beekeeper in one of the most beautiful, preserved place in the world. But I was up for a change and ready for the challenge of experiencing and trying on my own, away from France.
While in New Zealand, I spent nearly 6 months on the farm where I live and keep bees today. I fell in love with the farm (and the farmer).
Moving to Raglan wasn’t an easy decision to make. I had never planed to establish myself in a foreign country, away from my family and friends. But I was prepared to make this sacrifice and follow a pretty crazy dream at this stage.
It is unnecessary to even mention that I had no idea of what my life in the Waikato was going to be. I knew I loved the farm, but coming from a communication and marketing background, what was I gonna do, right?
(My English wasn’t at its best either at this stage...)
But then my partner had been keeping bees when he was younger and had a few beehives on the farm. He is the one who taught the love for bees and the basics of looking after them (also very handy when harvest time comes...).
I was lucky to have experienced beekeepers around to guide me and teach me about commercial beekeeping. It is a little different story than a couple of beehives in your backyard...
So here I am now, with Miel des Collines, producing Monofloral Manuka Honey, as well as Rewarewa and Bush blend.
Behind the name Miel des Collines, French for "Honey from the hills", you will find an artisan honey boutique founded with love and care for honey bees.
On the farm, in the rolling hills of Raglan, I chose to look after a small number of bee hives, to produce limited editions of high quality raw honey.
All the honey with the label Miel des Collines have been produced by our bees, and harvested exclusively on our farm, in Raglan, overlooking the Aotea Harbour.
All year round, I take part of some local markets and events in the Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Auckland Region. Follow Miel des Collines on Facebook and Instagram to find out more about when and where!
