Planetary Citizens

About Us

Help New Zealand Ltd is a regenerative food company with hyper-local impact.

We are

An honest regenerative friendship

Michael and Igor. We focus on innovative ingredients that nourish the human body, empower the community and are regenerative for the environment.

Hyper-local

Empowering the regenerative economy and cultural awareness of Canterbury, South Island of New Zealand.

Nature-based

We use pure hemp and kelp and nothing else.

Business activists

Bringing the discussion of the legalisation of hemp and the relevance of the ocean in reversing climate change to planetary citizens' tables.

Our Theory of Change

The more regenerative local food we eat, the healthier our society will be.

Our Path

Regeneration is a journey, and Help is how we navigate this ocean of change.

Systemic Collaboration

Help as a product is only viable as purpose-driven humans, master plants, bio-regional characteristics, biomes, and organisations are in sync.

The Creators of Help

Michael Mayell

Food hacker, and pioneer of New Zealand's entrepreneurial renaissance in a regenerative mission.

Igor Botelho

A visionary leader, innovation strategist, regenerative entrepreneur and socio-environmental impact-driven maker.

Natural Entities

Aotearoa, New Zealand:

Kia Ora! Help is created and locally produced in the South Island of Aotearoa. It is an untamed symphony of nature's finest melodies, the place to be barefoot watching the sunrise.

Christchurch bioregion:

The city where Help is made. A sanctuary of unblemished excellence, nurturing organic growth and societal resonance. A global social innovation hub.

Pure Hemp seeds:

The master plant hemp can be used
in more than 2,000 industries. The use of hemp dates back as far as 8,000 BC. We are living in its modern renaissance.

Giant Kelp:

Foraged from Akaroa Harbour: It grows 60 cm daily and protects this ocean sanctuary. Kelp forests have existed for over 20 million years. The natural solution for producing oxygen and absorbing CO2 on the blue planet.

Production Partners

We have more than a supply chain. Our business model is also a community pact.

Hemp Farming:

Cultivated by the esteemed West Family Farms in Ashburton. Regenerating dairy production and polluted rivers one hectare at a time.

Manufacturing:

Crafted with social impact by a social enterprise. Our team of dedicated and committed heroes with mental disabilities at Kilmarnoch NZ.

Giant Kelp Harvest:

Ocean Harvesting & Sustainable Management professionally and ethically made by Valére NZ, led by Roger Beattie.

Distribution:

We are proud to have Nutrient Rescue NZ as our fulfilment business partner.

Creative & Office Team

Branding:

Forged with creative fervour by the mastermind Flavia Vendramin.

Designers:

Sergio Cury, visual director and Ditongo Studio, the brand designers. Fabio Issao created our packaging.

Web:

Woven with finesse by the digital artisans of Batch. Local digital creatives in Christchurch.

Photography:

Captured through the discerning lens of Jen Raoult at Ethik Studio NZ.

Chef:

We received an abundance of inspiration from gastronomic maestro, Chica Morica, conjuring culinary marvels with hemp as her muse.

Accountability:

Fairground Ltd, a B-Corp office managed by Anthony Rohan, ensures every financial step echoes with integrity.

General admin:

Samantha Mayell, who brings commitment and confidence to our management team.

Science & Technical Team

Ingredients and
Nutritional Research:

Patricia Tozatti. Food Engineer, PhD, innovator.

Database:

Yes, we believe that artificial intelligence can help. But we prefer to trust the wealth of prior research from the NZ KELP organisation and the Cannabis Museum of Christchurch, for example.

Our Incoherences

We want to be part of the planetary solution and HELP is an opportunity to improve as individuals, community, organisation and between species.

We need better packaging systems. Although we are investing in the best solution available globally, it still needs to be disposed of in the correct recycling place. Which is good, but not enough.

Energy efficiency is standard. We need to be outstanding. To be done.

Transportation. Some vehicles including boats, farming and manufacturing machines are still using petrol or diesel.