Yes, we are open
Yes, we are open, selling milk and happy to answer any questions regarding the recent closure. For a prompt reply, please ring our Farm Manager Tristan directly: 022 361 5015.
The last two weeks have reminded us that we are lucky to live in a country which allows small dairy farms to sell raw milk directly to the customers and that we have robust practices in place to ensure our milk conforms to the highest standards.
Selling a product labelled a 'high risk food' by the government may well be one of the most perilous jobs around but all the stress and headaches are all worth it nevertheless.
Here an explanation of what exactly happened but firstly please note that our milk gets tested daily voluntarily as well as via an independent laboratory:
One batch of Riverside Milk (28/01/2019) did exceed microbiological limits because of one small crack in a component of the milking plant which was identified the day before but the replacement part was only mailed to us (and promptly installed) on 29th January.
The reality is that raw milk is a 'high risk food' which can contain bacteria that not all of us may be able to cope very well (the very young, pregnant, very elderly or immune system compromised). That's why we have notices commenting on this reality all through our vending shed and why we require customers to register their details with us.
While the good bacteria and lactic acid in raw milk as well as consistent refrigeration all provide for a rather hostile environment for most unwanted guests and regular raw milk consumption may actually strengthen healthy individuals' immunity, any traces of microorganisms such as campylobacter in raw milk samples will trigger an automatic suspension of raw milk sales.
There is now hardly any registered raw milk provider in the country who has not had a suspension triggered since the new legislation has come in and every now and then we hear from one of them, their worries and their uphill battles.
All we can do for now is to ensure you that we are doing our utmost best, every single day, to ensure our milk is healthy and wholesome. We would like to thank all the fabulous people who emailed, texted and rang us to offer their support and encouragement. It meant the world to us!
The Riverside Milk Team
Brain Teaser of the Day 🧠✨ Can You Solve It? 🤔💬
Make a hearty dish. Take just half a minute. Add four parts of kestrel. Then just add one. What have you made?
(Trev from Silverdale kindly provided this head-scratcher ... thanks, Trev!)
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm on the day!
Want to stop seeing these in your newsfeed? No worries! Simply head here and click once on the Following button.
Earth Emotions Silent Auction
Monday 16th February - Monday 2nd March
Bid on a special collection of 20 unframed prints by local photographers from an exhibition called Earth Emotions.
Glenn Allbrecht's book, Earth Emotions, inspired Ann Wheatley, Emma Jane Hughes and Peter Kemp to create a local exhibition exploring the health of our soils, waters, forests, and people, with support from the Nelson Tasman Climate Forum and the Nelson City Council.
Forty-seven photographers responded to an open call, contributing over 100 images. A selection of these was exhibited at the Refinery Art Space.
The photographers have donated 20 exhibition prints to raise funds for the hospice.
View on site at Nelson Tasman Hospice or check out the website here: sites.google.com...
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
Loading…
