Gill Mannington with some of her ingredients for her herbal balms.
Gill Mannington came from Britain to New Zealand in 2012 for a farm working holiday.
The sheep and beef farmer certainly wasn’t originally planning on living in Aotearoa full-time.
After becoming heavily involved with dairy farming and Reporoa Young Farmers, several different farm job opportunities and meeting her now husband Pete Mannington, she’s still here 13 years later.
“I met Pete in 2015 when I was working in Reporoa,” she said.
“I continued working in short-term farm jobs in Rerewhakaaitu, Galatea, and as a dairy assistant for Tulip Rose Farms.
“Pete and I then worked full-time on his parents’ dairy farm, and Pete also contract-fenced.
“We started sharemilking on that farm with 100 cows.”
The couple then moved to a different set-up on 90ha in Galatea, increasing their herd to 250.
After five years, they took on another sharemilking role on the adjoining 129ha with 300 cows.
The Manningtons’ herds are mainly Kiwi-cross with some Friesians and Jerseys to raise the overall milk fat/protein content.
The farms are owned by the same person but are run as two separate herds using two cow sheds.
Gill, Pete, a manager and a farm assistant, all work full-time on the two farms, interchanging as necessary.
Because of working closely with the land, Gill has always been interested in the medicinal uses of plants and flowers.
She’s interested in herbalism and has read lots of books before making up blends for different ailments using products from nature.
“What began as a small curiosity about natural remedies has grown into a true passion.
“Using herbs and natural ingredients, often grown or gathered locally, I handcrafted balms designed to soothe, heal and restore.”
Moving around from farm to farm as she and Pete work their way up to farm ownership means Gill doesn’t have her own herb garden established, but she does grow calendula (Calendula officinalis) wherever she goes.
Calendula is known for its anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties and is good for skin issues.
“We’re fortunate that the farm we are on now has great soil and we have a plentiful supply of plantain (Plantago lanceolata) and yarrow (Achillea millefolium).”
While yarrow is often regarded as a weed, it was used medicinally as far back as ancient times to stem bleeding and heal wounds.
It is claimed to have numerous other medicinal advantages, such as antiseptic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, diuretic and astringent properties.
Plantain is an effective cellular regenerator and is good for healing wounds.
Plantain poultices, tinctures, creams and oils can be made for home use.
“I’m very lucky that the bush on our winter grazing block has kawakawa (Piper excelsum), a well-known plant used in traditional Māori medicine.”
Gill introduced tallow to her ingredients in July 2025 and orders supplies of this pure, natural product that has already been rendered.
Because of its compatibility with the skin’s natural oils, applied topically, it moisturises, soothes and improves the skin’s health.
It’s no surprise that most of the products Gill makes are centred around the needs of farming life.
Gill, Pete, Pete’s three sons, the staff and extended family and friends all benefit from her hobby.
“We keep Farm Balm close by for those cold winters when we get cracked hands, and I’ve several different flavoured lip balms, which work wonders in the cold/hot months.
“In summer, we use my insect repellent spray, which contains high-grade essential oils – lavender, peppermint, rose, citronella and lemongrass, which mosquitoes especially don’t like.
“If we do get bitten, I’ve got an itchy balm to soothe the spot.”
Gill has made up some bath salts using Epsom salts, which is rich in magnesium, and Himalayan salt, with essential oils.
She said it was perfect for a muscle soak after working hard on the farm.
“I would love to learn more and develop a full range of natural products, but for now, it’s heads down and bottoms up while we hopefully fulfil our goal of farm ownership in the next few years.”