FAQs

Honey

Q1: What is Mānuka honey?

A1: Mānuka [ ma·nu·ka  ] honey comes from the nectar of the flower of the Mānuka bush (Leptospermum scoparium) which is indigenous to New Zealand. 

Q2: Why should I buy UMF™ certified Mānuka honey?

A2: UMF™ certifies that the Mānuka honey you purchase has been independently been tested and contains the unique properties that consumers are looking for.. The  UMF™ mark assures you that these key signature compounds are present in license-holders’ products. Melora is a trusted UMF™ license holder. Our license number is #2015.

Find out more information on UMF™ Guarantee page.

Q3: What does the UMF™ grading mean?

A3: The UMF™ grading system has two components which are expressed on any UMF™ honey product.

1. Label – The label claim that it is genuine Manuka Honey
2. Number – this represents the strength of the unique signature compounds characteristic of this honey which ensure purity and quality. These include: the key markers of Leptosperin, DHA and Methylglyoxal. View relations between UMF™ grades and MG (Methylglyoxal) levels (mg/kg).

Q4: What are the differences between UMF™ and MGO/MG Mānuka honeys?

A4:  MGO and MG both are an abbreviation of Methylglyoxal which is one of the three compounds tested for used as a measure to grade Mānuka honey by some companies. Methyglyoxal is a key unique compound naturally occurring in New Zealand Mānuka honey. However, Methyglyoxal is heat sensitive and may vary due to change of the environmental conditions.

UMF™ certification can only be used by licensees whose production facility complies with UMF™ quality standards, whose products are tested and verified by independent laboratories before going to market and whose product samples in the market are also regularly audited by independent companies. However, there’s not an independent Code of Practice for companies using MG/MGO grading system to follow nor an independent auditing organisations to monitor MG/MGO Honey’s quality and authenticity in the marketplace.  

Q5: Why is Melora®  UMF™ Mānuka honey claimed to be ethically and sustainably sourced?

A5: Melora® share equal percentages of honey sales between Mānuka resources owners, beekeepers and us the honey processing company.

By using a fair share benchmark that is higher than the industry standard, we are able to continually support landowners to guard, protect and nurture Mānuka plants, leading to a sustainable future together.

Our Ethical Honey Harvesting programme also sets out clear quality policies and procedures for all harvest and apiary operators working with us. The aim of this programme is to protect the bees and hives from risk of contamination, to protect the environment during harvesting and to keep our people safe through the process.  

Q7: Why does Mānuka honey appear to differ in colour and texture?

A7: Mānuka honey is a natural product, influenced by seasonal and regional conditions.  Some areas produce paler honey than others.  Mānuka honey might also grow in flavour and darken with age.

Q8: What are the ideal storage conditions for Mānuka honey?

A8: Please store your Mānuka honey in a cool dry place under 21 degrees Celsius. Frequent or large change of temperature might affect Mānuka honey’s texture and UMF™ levels.

Q9: Do you have Kosher certificate for your honey?

A9: Yes, all Melora honey bear the OU Kosher mark.

Q10: Is Melora® honey 100% product of New Zealand?

A10: Yes, all Melora® Mānuka honey is collected by our bees, harvested by our beekeepers from the untamed East Coast of New Zealand. The honey is then extracted and processed in our factories in Opotiki and Whakatane. All jars of honey are delivered to your door right from our factory and warehouse in Whakatane, and no middle parties are involved.

Essential oil

Q1: What are the safety guidelines on using your essential oils?

A1: We care about your SAFETY, please check the guidelines below carefully before use. 

- Our essential oils are for external use only.

- Perform a patch test prior to use. If discomfort or irritation occurs, stop using immediately.  

- Avoid contact with sensitive areas such as eyes, ears, genitals, and mucous membranes with undiluted essential oils. 

- Essential oils are very powerful, so start with a low dosage and gradually build up. Excessive use of essential oils may increase the risk for adverse reactions. In most cases, 1–2 drops are adequate, and using more may waste product. Depending on the essential oil, you can gradually build up to 3–4 uses per day, if desired.

- If you have a medical condition or are using a prescription medication, it is recommended that prior to using an essential oil, you consult with a health care advisor who has experience with essential oils. 

- Not recommended for use during pregnancy without consulting your health care professional first.

- Many essential oils are appropriate for use on children but should be diluted with a carrier oil prior to use.

Q2: What does the MßTK™ mark mean on your label?

A2: MßTK™ stands for natural Mānuka oil ß-triketones, a group of natural compounds found in Mānuka oil that are highly beneficial in the fight against harmful bacteria. MßTK™ is a quality assurance mark and represents the percentage of Mānuka ß-triketones present in Manuka oil. View more MßTK™ information.

Q3: Why should I buy MßTK™ certified Mānuka oil?

A3: As a natural product, like Mānuka honey, Mānuka oil varies in antibacterial potency. The MßTK™ grading system effectively communicates the strength and quality of the Mānuka oil and allows you to select the grade of oil most suited to your needs.

Q4: Is there an expiry date for Melora® essential oil?

A4: Sealed Melora® essential oils can be kept for 3 years from the date of manufacture. Once open, for the best result, please use it within 6 months.

Q5: How should I store essential oils?

A5: Store it in a cool and dry place, avoid direct contact with sunlight.

Q6: Is Melora® essential oil 100% natural?

A6: Our essential oils are 100% natural and completely free of chemicals and synthetic ingredients.

Q7: Does Melora® test essential oils on animals?

A7: We care about our people as well as animals, so we have been always against animal testing and we do not test our essential oils on animals

Our Company

Q1: Who is the manufacturer of Melora® products?

A1: All Melora® products are proudly made and supplied by New Zealand Manuka Group. We're located at 525B State Highway 30, RD1, Whakatane 3191, New Zealand. 

Our company founder Phil Caskey and his wife and business partner Sharan Caskey are pioneers of New Zealand Mānuka industry. Phil co-created and registered the first Mānuka honey wound care dressing in the world, which helped introduce Manuka honey to the world as an important and worthwhile resource for health.

New Zealand Manuka Group is also currently the largest manufacturer of Mānuka essential oil in New Zealand and has been awarded Bay of Plenty Export NZ 2016, the Innovation in Export Award due to our innovative practices in Manuka oils.

If you have enquiries, please do not hesitate to email us at wecare@melora.co.nz, or call us on 0800 696-268 (in New Zealand) or +64 7 308 0428 (outside New Zealand). We'd love to hear from you. 

Your order

Q1: what currency are your prices in?

A1: All prices on melora.co.nz are in NZ dollars.

Q2: I'm based outside New Zealand, will my order be charged New Zealand GST (Goods and Services Tax)?

A2: All prices shown on our website include New Zealand GST (15%). For all orders shipped outside New Zealand, New Zealand GST will be excluded from the order total during the checkout process. 

Q3: Does Melora® ship to worldwide?

A3: Yes, we currently can ship to most countries in the world. For more information, please check out "Where do you ship to?"

Q4: When will my order ship?

A4: We try to ship your orders as soon as possible. It usually takes us 1 to 3 working days to dispatch an order. 

Q5: I received an email notice saying my order has been shipped, when will it get to my house?

A5: If you are using a tracking service, please use the tracking link in your email to track your order. 

Q6: What can I do if my parcels are held by my country’s customs?

A6: Please refer to “Will we pay for any customs charges for your order?”

Q7: Can I return my orders if I’m not happy about it?

A7: Please refer to “Can you return a product?”

Q8: My parcel was marked as delivered, but I didn’t receive it.

99: Delivery to rural addresses may take longer. All estimated delivery times for international orders could be affected should your parcel be delayed by Customs entry procedures.

If your order doesn’t reach you within the expected delivery timeframe counting from the date we have emailed you confirmation of dispatch, please contact us as soon as possible via email at orders@melora.co.nz.

Q9: Can I cancel my order?

A9: You may cancel your online order provided we have not already dispatched it. We will refund the cost of your order. Please contact us as soon as possible – we will do our best to accommodate your request. See more information on “Can you cancel your order?”