About Us

Wildfern is a new brand of premium quality New Zealand-made bar liqueurs currently being released on the New Zealand and international markets . Some of these have already won international medals. To reflect our vision and commitment to the highest standards we chose the silver fern, typifying New Zealand's internationally recognised achievement in many areas.

As it appears on the label design the fern's shape and positioning reflect the coastline of New Zealand, nestled in the deep blue southern Pacific Ocean ("Te Moana nui a Kiwa" in Maori), represented by the waves in the logo. The shape of the waves sitting within the tip of the fern are reminiscent of the sail shape of traditional boats used by native Pacific Islanders. This also reminds us that both Maori and European settlers came to New Zealand in sailing vessels ("waka" in Maori).

The name Wildfern also reminds us of the ruggedness of New Zealand, as encountered by early settlers. Some parts of the country are so rugged it is believed they have yet to be set foot on by humans. This preserved natural beauty is an important part of New Zealand's identity and international attraction. It is also the source of the native honeys we use in some of the Wildfern range.

The Pikopiko fern shoot, depicted as the dot on the "i" in the Wildfern logo, has traditionally been used as a vegetable green, being affectionately called "bush asparagus". The enjoyment of Wildfoods is celebrated each year at the now famous West Coast Wildfoods Festival, held in Hokitika on the west coast of the South Island of New Zealand.

Our Vision

Our aim is for the Wildfern brand to be known throughout Australasia as synonymous with excellence in product quality and service.

We wish to lead the liqueur sector in attaining premium status, just as the wine industry has evolved over the last 20 years or so - for NZ made liqueurs to be as highly regarded and promoted within the hospitality industry as NZ wines are.

We aim to celebrate the great things about New Zealand, hence the names of some of our recipes. We aim to help restore a sense of pride in New Zealand; to inspire New Zealanders to:

Pursue excellence in all things
Have confidence and faith
Be an inspiration to others
Take control of their own destiny
Take control of New Zealand's destiny

We will set high goals, achieve and celebrate them, and then set even higher goals - and have a great time along the way.

We will remain a New Zealand owned and operated company.

Corporate Integrity

In a world where we see corporate greed and corruption we also see businesses committed to ethical and sustainable practices.

Wildfern NZ will operate on an ethical and sustainable basis. We seek to set a positive example of corporate responsibility and contribution to society’s well-being. Wildfern New Zealand will:

act ethically at all times
contribute to the NZ economy
contribute to communities and society
promote "buy New Zealand made"
when we build a permanent production plant, build it to operate on a sustainable basis, incorporating solar energy systems (passive, water heating, photovoltaics).
steadliy replace artificial colourings with natural colourings.
work towards sourcing our coffee through 'fair trade' registered suppliers.
not use aspartame, but a safe natural sweetener, should we make low calorie drinks in future
continue to use unfluoridated water for its products

Mark Atkin, Managing Director, Master Alchemist

Mark started making home made beer and wine from the age of 12, developing a special interest in honey mead. He has a discerning palate, and is "a bit of a perfectionist" contributing to his insistence on the highest standards of balance, fullness of flavour, and finesse in all Wildfern New Zealand's ranges of superior products.

Mark has a BSc in Chemistry (Victoria University), and has studied winemaking at Massey University.
He also has a management/productivity qualification from CIT. He has worked as a carpenter/cabinetmaker/joiner, and in management and consultancy in textiles, joinery, banking, and Government.

He also has a law degree from Victoria University, and is admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor.

View our liquor licence.