Otago Gold Honey
Sweetening the Future: How Otago Gold Honey Is Nurturing Land, Bees, and Community
For OFPA 2026 Gold and Silver Medal winner, Otago Gold Honey, environmental stewardship and community investment are embedded into the foundation of this four generation family-owned operation. By combining smart, low-emission infrastructure with a commitment to community and biodiversity, the team prove that even small family producers can deliver a positive impact.
Since 2022 Carlee McCaw and her husband, Tim Sinclair have owned and operated Milburn Honey Farm, selling their product as Otago Gold Honey. Milburn has been an apiary since the 1950s, established by Carlee’s grandparents when they immigrated from Holland following WWII. Carlee represents the third generation of the family in business, and her and Tim’s children who live on the farm are the fourth generation.
When Otago Gold Honey recently renovated its processing facility, climate resilience and resource efficiency were front and centre. Following the installation of solar power in 2024, now they generates roughly 30% to 40% of their total electricity. of course, they ensured the processing facility upgrade features heavy insulation, LED lighting and an efficient layouts, to reduce energy use.
Their sustainable setup includes:
Electric Transport: Two electric work vehicles
Rainwater Harvesting: Captured rainwater is redirected into processing
Repurposed Resources: Beeswax waste is repurposed into new hives or crafted into candles, cardboard cartons are repeatedly reused, and soft plastics are recycled.
Otago Gold Honey takes a holistic view of soil health and biodiversity. The team has an ongoing riparian and native replanting initiative across the region, adhering closely to 'Trees For Bees' guidelines to build healthier local habitats.
By placing hives across surrounding farms, they help boost crop pollination for neighbouring growers.
At its core, Otago Gold Honey is driven by a strong sense of responsibility to its local community. Rather than focusing on short-term profits, any surplus is reinvested straight back into sustainable facility upgrades and local initiatives.
Their social responsibility efforts focus on creating genuine opportunities close to home:
Inclusive Employment: The business collaborates with Jobbortunities Clutha to help remove barriers to work for people facing employment challenges.
Youth Work Experience: Partnering with the local high school, Otago Gold Honey offers practical work placements for students interested in apiculture, giving young people hands-on exposure to food production.
Community Backing: From sponsoring local sports teams and athletes to supplying fresh honey directly to the local food bank, the team regularly donates funds and produce to local schools and community causes.
Balancing low-carbon processing with community involvement, Otago Gold Honey shows how regional food producers are part of the solution for a resilient, sustainable future.
To learn a bit more and find out where to buy visit their website HERE. Or to be totally immersed in their business stay at HONEY FARM COTTAGE.