Caring for the Land While Caring for Hearts
the problem
Erosion and Environmental Damage
For decades, heavy logging and unstable farming practices in New Zealand’s Gisborne and East Coast regions left landscapes exposed. Heavy rain events caused widespread erosion, sediment runoff, and damage to both land and community.
The environment — like the human heart — needed support.
The Solution
Native Manuka Replanting
In 2014, Denis Watson saw the damage first-hand and decided it was time to act and to invest in native Manuka forestry.
Their plan? Replace damaged land with native Manuka, one of Aotearoa’s most resilient and beneficial indigenous species.
Action: A damaged land block of 7,000 acres (Awapuripuri) was planted with over 6 million Manuka trees, and today it is a native forest producing high-active Manuka honey and a refuge for native birds.
Why Manuka?
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It produces premium honey used in SweetHeart’s formula
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It regenerates soil and stabilises erosion-prone hillsides
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It supports biodiversity, regeneration of forest, and native fauna habitat
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It contributes to cleaner waterwaysreducing coastal pollution
The Partnership: Manuka Forests x SweetHeart®
In 2018, long-time forestry and roading contractors Danny and Sheldon Drummond also became key investors inSweetHeart® by planting out further Manuka forests. They supply the high-grade honey that helps support people’s cardiovascular health.*
This is what sustainability looks like in action:
- Regenerating Aotearoa’s forests and protecting the land
- Supporting heart health naturally*
- Creating long-term, purpose-led wellness for our people, our birds, and our bees