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
Some Choice News!
DOC is rolling out a new tool to help figure out what to tackle first when it comes to protecting our threatened species and the things putting them at risk.
Why does this matter? As Nikki Macdonald from The Post points out, we’re a country with around 4,400 threatened species. With limited time and funding, conservation has always meant making tough calls about what gets attention first.
For the first time, DOC has put real numbers around what it would take to do everything needed to properly safeguard our unique natural environment. The new BioInvest tool shows the scale of the challenge: 310,177 actions across 28,007 sites.
Now that we can see the full picture, it brings the big question into focus: how much do we, as Kiwis, truly value protecting nature — and what are we prepared to invest to make it happen?
We hope this brings a smile!
🧩😏 Riddle me this, Neighbours…
I am an odd number. Take away a letter and I become even. What number am I?
Do you think you know the answer?
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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.
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