From Our Hub in Northland: Holistic Hound’s Grooming Bar Shines on the Global Stage

We’re buzzing with pride at Ngawha Innovation & Enterprise Park today, as Holistic Hound - a shining example of Northland ingenuity - earns international acclaim for its natural grooming bar.

Created by local dog lovers Erica Wells and Suzanne Hall, the bar claimed the coveted Natural Grooming Product of the Year title at the 2025 Pet Innovation Awards in the United States. These awards are a big deal, celebrating the most creative and impactful pet-care innovations.

A True Northland Origin Story

What began as a homemade remedy for Wells’s two pup, one with sensitive skin, the other with a grass allergy - evolved into something remarkable. After experimenting with soothing oatmeal, baking soda, Epsom salts and other natural ingredients, Wells teamed with Hall to bring the idea to life.

Suzanne Hall, leads the Natural Product Cluster here at Mahinga Innovation Centre and is a respected pioneer of natural skincare and Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit. Together they spent over a year fine-tuning the formula, packaging and branding - right here at Ngawha Innovation & Enterprise Park.

Suzanne Hall and Erica Wells, from Holistic Hound, are thrilled with their recent award for one of their natural grooming products. Photo / Claire Gordon NZ Herald

What’s in the Line-Up?

Holistic Hound’s range features four thoughtful products:

• Award-winning grooming bar – made with oatmeal, shea butter, and local Northland superstars like Matauri Bay clay, calendula, and mānuka honey.

• Paw & skin salve – targets dryness, cracks, and irritations.

• Paw & skin soak – soothes sensitive or irritated paws.

• Shine & restore coat serum – conditions, detangles, calms, and delivers a healthy shine.

All are crafted on-site at the Mahinga Innovation Centre - emphasising local talent, sustainability, and natural ingredients.

A Win That Matters

For a brand as fresh as Holistic Hound, launched only in April 2025 - this kind of global recognition is monumental. Wells called it “an incredible endorsement in what we’re doing,” and a validation of their careful commitment to natural, sustainable practices.

Their hope? To become the go-to natural grooming brand for conscious dog owners - all while putting Northland’s innovation capabilities on the map.

Looking Ahead

Holistic Hound products are available through their website and through select pet shops, vet clinics, and health-food stores across Aotearoa.

We’re proud to call them our Park Partners and excited to see where their paws take them next. On behalf of everyone here at Ngawha Innovation & Enterprise Park, ka rawe koutou!