Frequently Asked Questions

Your facial oil is freshly blended and made to order. Because we follow the maramataka, we only prepare blends in rising high energy to high energy periods. Once we reach these phases, you can expect we'll process within 1-2 business days.

We will ship the same day (or the next day at the latest) once your facial oil is blended.

MindKai is currently available to New Zealand and Australian residents.

AOTEAROA, NEW ZEALAND

Flat rate, non-rural:

• Economy post (up to 3 working days): $5.75
• Courier post (1-2 working days): $7.75
• Courier & signature (1-2 working days): $10.75

Flat rate, rural:

• Economy post (up to 3 working days): $9.75
• Courier post (1-2 working days): $11.25
• Courier & signature (1-2 working days): $14.25

AHITEREIRIA, AUSTRALIA

Flat rate:

• Economy post (3-10 working days): $15.75
• Economy tracked (3-10 working days): $19.75
• Courier (2-6 working days): $35.75
• Express (1-5 working days): $68.25

In Aotearoa, you have the option to chose economy or courier post. If selecting economy, please allow 2-4 working days once your order is shipped. For courier post, allow 1-3 days.

In Australia, you have the option to chose economy, courier or express post. If selecting economy, please allow from 3-10 working days (or as specified at the time). For courier post, alllow 2-6 working days, and express post, allow 1-5 working days. Please note, that with the worldwide disruption of COVID-19 there can be delivery delay on some transportation routes and centres which are beyond the control of MindKai.

MindKai will not be held liable for any parcel missing in transit. All packages are sent with a reputable courier service, and the tracking number is sent to the customer. It is the customer's responsibility to chase up any order after it has left MindKai's premises on the designated service. For NZ customers, you must inform us within five working days from the time of despatch if you are having issues locating your parcel. We will do our best to assist with any problems.

We can provide these on request - otherwise, we do not include them as a standard to try and reduce waste.

All applicable customs fees, taxes and duties are the sole responsibility of the customer. Customs authorities require that we state the value of your order directly on your package - the value is the retail cost in NZD. MindKai cannot mark any parcel(s) as a 'Gift' to avoid customs and duties fees.

Please note that customs agents may delay the delivery of some packages at their discretion on rare occasions.

For more information on customs and duties charges, don't hesitate to get in touch with your local customs office.

It is really important that you love your products you purchase from MindKai.

If, in the first instance you are not happy with something you have received - please do not hestitate to get in touch and have a korero (talk) - we are always hopeful we can make some suggestions to tautoko (support) you, if you are having trouble.

Ordering standard, non-customised products:

If within 14 days of receiving your MindKai product(s) you are still not happy with them, you can return them to us for a full refund (minus shipping costs). Please email me at kim@mindkai.co so I can provide an address to post them back to. All postage for any returns will be at your cost, and we would recommend using a tracked method of return delivery (as we are unable to accept responsibility for lost return parcels). Please make sure they are well-packaged.

This applies only to our regular priced items, as unfortunately sale or discounted items cannot be refunded.

Ordering Hinu korowai - customised facial oils:

Because this is made specifically for you, we cannot resell the product (even if you haven't opened or used it). Because of this, we are unable to offer refunds once the blend has been custom made. For this reason, it is essential that you think carefully before carrying out your purchase.

We only replace items if they are defective or damaged.

If you need to exchange it for the same item, email us at kim@mindkai.co to start the process.

Great question! Because the product is oil based, a little goes a long way! The full dropper is not required per use, and you should start with 2-3 drops and then assess if you need more or not.

MindKai does this in three key ways:

The essential oils selected are targeted to address mental wellbeing goals

The rongoā Māori plants steeped and imbued into the blend are chosen for their spiritual support to your mental wellbeing

The application of MindKai is very much focused on mindfulness. It should be seen as a meditative process of breathing in and out and manifesting a positive mindset

Part of MindKai is supporting your spiritual well being. When your blend is made, the life force of three native plants are imbued into it, which come based on your date of birth, and the two numbers you selected during your MindKai quiz. The wairua manifestation cards are a visual guide to what those three plants were and their healing powers. To channel their energy, we recommend reading them before applying MindKai and then focusing on their korero (talk) while you massage MindKai into your skin.

All of our ingredients are 100% natural and of plant origin, as we believe in using ingredients that are as close to nature as possible! Where we can, we have tried to source ingredients that have undergone the least amount of processing and have been certified organic. This is because we want our products to be wholesome, nourishing and safe for you. However - when reading the ingredients, you may come across words that look strange and scary. Please don't be alarmed - rest assured that these are just the Latin (or scientific name) for the plant the oils are made from.

We do our best to source the freshest and highest quality ingredients, following aromatherapy safety guidelines. We use safe dilutions and oils for the intended individual to reduce the chances of any reaction. Naturally, some individuals are more susceptible to irritation than others.

Please read application instructions before use and conduct a test patch before use. Test on a small area of the forearm and wait for 10–15 minutes to ensure no irritation reaction occurs. If irritation occurs, please discontinue use. We cannot guarantee you will not experience a skin reaction and cannot be held responsible if this happens. The irritation will be localised to the areas where the product has been applied. Irritation generally occurs on first exposure with an immediate reaction, such as a rash (raised/inflamed/bumpy/itchy skin). If the reaction is not localised and is noticed in places other than the area you have applied the product, or it is not very noticeable upon first use - it is most likely a sensitisation of an essential oil component. Sensitisation is an allergic reaction of the immune system. It will probably take more than one exposure for this reaction to occur.  

If our product enters the eye, please immediately wash your hands with soap and water. Then, put some carrier oil (such as olive oil) on a paper towel and gently wipe your eye several times. Flushing your eye with saline solution is also another great option. If irritation persists, please seek immediate medical advice.

Please note that MindKai is for external use only. Although it contains natural ingredients, it is essential to follow the application instructions carefully. This is because some native plants steeped into the blend are said to be 'paitini' or of a nature that may cause an effect if ingested.

If you have any concerns, please call the New Zealand National Poisons Centre on 0800 764 766. Please tell the operator the brand and product, how much you have applied, and where you used it. You'll need to have your ingredient leaflet on hand to share this information with them.

If you do not live in New Zealand, please consult your nearest poisons centre.

If you have further concerns, please contact Healthline on 0800 611 116 or seek medical attention.

Fundamentally, this product has been made specifically for you and your hauora (wellbeing) needs. While someone else can use your blend, it is essential to note that they may find it does not work as well for them as it is not targeted to their needs.

MindKai should not be used on infants and children as the blends contain essential oils which have not been diluted. Neonatal skin does not mature until three months old. It is far more sensitive and absorbent, so the risk of sensitivities is greater. Infants also have a reduced metabolic capacity and renal function, so their ability to clear substances from their bodies is not comparable to an adult.

As with any product - a patch test is recommended before use, and if irritation occurs, please discontinue use. Please keep your products out of reach of little hands!

In most cases, you should be fine. However - if there are any applicable safety recommendations, these will be listed on your MindKai information sheet when you receive your blend.

It means we have not added any water or alcohol to fill our blends. Every single product is made with 100% pure natural oils, native plants and essential oils - unless otherwise stated.

1. Any statements made by MindKai have not been evaluated by the Ministry of Health, New Zealand or any other regulatory body.


2. The information presented in the pages of this website is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease and should be considered general in nature. As with anything, there are differing opinions among experts, reference guides, and everyday essential oil users. Please consult your doctor or qualified health professional if you have any concerns. Always consult with your doctor before changing any medications or healing practices. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your physician before using these products.


3. Customers may purchase products from MindKai, only with the clear understanding that they must use all products at their discretion. MindKai shall not be held responsible for damages to property or any adverse physical effects (including injury or bodily harm).


4. MindKai is not responsible for any individual reaction to any particular ingredient. Each product description on information with custom blends includes a complete list of ingredients. People with sensitivities to any listed ingredient should not use the product. If you are in doubt or have sensitive skin, always try an allergy patch test as directed on the label. If irritation occurs, discontinue use of the product and wash the area with olive oil then cold water.


5. All MindKai products are for external use only as directed on the product information sheet.


6. Any stories or testimonials are illustrative of individual results only. They do not constitute a warranty, guarantee or prediction regarding the outcome you may attain.


7. MindKai will not be held liable for any parcel missing in transit. All packages are tracked with a reputable courier service, and the tracking number is sent to the customer. It is the customer's responsibility to chase up any order after it has left MindKai's premises on the designated service. For NZ customers, you must inform us within five working days from the time of despatch if you are having issues locating your parcel. We will do our best to assist with any problems.

OUR FOCUS IS ALWAYS ON TE AO!

Recycle

1. At its roots, we've tried to source packaging that is recyclable or compostable.

2. Glass bottles can be added to kerbside recycle bins, as can our box packaging, tissue paper and cardboard void fill.

3. Our cardboard packaging, tissue paper and information sheets are typically made from several renewable plant-based materials and break down in home compost systems within 180 days. They are a great addition to your backyard system as it helps with the carbon-nitrogen ratio.

4. We do our best to avoid packing tape where we can, as it isn't compostable and adds to plastics in our whenua (land). We sometimes skip this altogether and use harakeke (flax plant) to tie our packaging up!

5. At times, we may use recycled cool bags for void fill. These are soft plastic recyclable. To find your nearest location to recycle these, visit: recycling.kiwi.nz/store-locator

Reuse

1. You can send your existing bottle back to us for refill of your order. We'll give you a $5 credit to use on our website for all of your troubles. To do this, email us at kim@mindkai.co to let us know it is on the way! Please be careful to wrap or roll the jars in cardboard when you pack them, so they arrive safe and sound. If you want to go a step further - we'd love it if you peel the label off and wash it thoroughly to remove the residue! The dishwasher is fantastic for this!

2. MindKai packaging is not always shiny and new - but a mixture of old and new! This is because we try our very best to repurpose boxes and bubble wrap we've received goods in, to ship out our products. You may even see shredded cardboard boxes or cool bags from hello fresh cut up for void fill! The newspaper also is a constant tissue paper alternative - if we have something on hand that we can use, we'll use it!

Reduce

This is MindKai's mahi (job)!

1. Wherever possible, we use recyclable packaging and where we can't, we are always looking for more sustainable options. While glass is more fragile than plastic, more costly to operate, and heavier to freight, it can be infinitely recycled. It is for this reason, we have chosen glass as our go-to packaging of choice.

2. Our dropper lids and spray fittings feature bamboo which is a sustainable crop that is known as one of the worlds most renewable materials. This is because it is fast-growing, requires no fertiliser and self-regenerates. One of its biggest benefits is its ability to absorb carbon and produce oxygen. This is a great win for MindKai to reduce our impact on the environment, but unfortunately these items still do have some plastic components which unfortunately we can't avoid.

3. We currently use paper labels and water-based inks; this reduces our plastic use and makes our glass easier to recycle as you don't have to peel off the label.