Hohepa Candles (13)

Hohepa Candle Workshop is one of several work centres where people with with an intellectual disability learn and master hand-crafts. Their mission is to bring a bright light into everybody’s life: the candle makers and their customers.

Candle-making is an ancient craft which connects a sense of aesthetics and beauty with a highly developed set of skills which suits the workers well – mostly adults with an intellectual disability. An environment of warmth and colour coupled with a measured working pace which engages and supports people in their physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.The workers have the opportunity to self-develop beyond productivity, speed and any individual limitations.

Hohepa Hawkes Bay is a community nestled between two rivers and the sea offering the benefits of living, participating, growing and developing in a beautiful natural environment. They aim to support every individual living and/or working at Hohepa to live their life to their fullest potential. Their principals are based on the holistic view of the human being which was developed by Rudolf Steiner.

The candles are hand made from 100% local beeswax which has been produced by bees roaming the Hawkes Bay region. Our dedicated staff teach and enable the candle makers to transform this natural product into a range of beautiful shining candles. They are a part of every step of the process: from collecting the beeswax in Takapau to pouring, dipping and colouring candles in the studio, to selling and distributing it to our partners and retailers. This enables the candle makers to see the meaning of their effort and understand the contribution they make to bringing beauty into customers lives.

Hohepa is a non-profit organisation but if surplus occurs from sales it is shared back to the candle makers. Buying a Hohepa candle doesn’t only buy you an amazing local, hand-crafted product but also supports people in their well-being, self-worth and contribution to their life.

Biodegradeable

These goods can be composted at the end of their useful life, leaving no trace of their existence.

Ethically Made

These goods are made by suppliers that pay fair wages, guarantee no child labour, and maintain a safe working environment.

Handmade

Handcrafted goods are one of a kind that have been created by skilled artisans often using techniques passed down through generations, rather than by automated, machine-based processes. Small irregularities are celebrated and are what make handcrafted goods unique.

Local

These goods are manufactured in the same country in which they are designed. This sustains the local economy and is more equitable for the workers and their communities. 

Natural

These goods have been crafted with materials that are derived from naturally occurring materials, plants or animals, with minimal processing. 

Organic

Goods that are made from organically grown materials and are free from harmful chemicals and pesticides. 

Recycled

In an effort to reduce waste, the design of these goods are either part or wholly made from up-cycled or previously used materials. These can be either salvaged directly in their current form or from recycled materials, such as paper, glass or metal.

Sustainable

Goods made from materials that can be replenished at the rate they are consumed, all with minimal environmental and social impact. Such as FSC wood, bamboo and wool. 

Transparent

These goods are produced by artisans or companies that are open, honest, and straightforward about their business operations. Transparency builds trust, from makers through to customers.

Vegan

These are goods that contain absolutely no animal products or by-products and were not tested on animals at any stage.