In Browns Bay, Auckland, a warehouse-style shop hums with the accents of South Africa—Afrikaans rolling, Zulu inflections bright in English. Something From Home isn’t just a store stacked with biltong, maize meal, and Nik Naks; it’s a sanctuary. For South African expats facing Kiwi winters and distance from home, this warehouse has become a lifeline.
Beginnings: From Homesickness to Warehouse Wonder
Founded about five years ago by South African expats, Something From Home began as an online venture to deliver nostalgia through familiar foods. Today, it’s New Zealand’s largest South African warehouse outlet, carrying more than 2,200 authentic imports shipped directly from South Africa. The physical store, located at 728a Beach Road in Browns Bay, Auckland, has become a gathering point for the expat community.
The founders structured the business around accessibility—free delivery in Auckland for orders above NZ$100, click-and-collect options, and a loyalty rewards system. They also allow customers to suggest which imports arrive next, from maize meal to rare biltong spices.
Cravings Across Oceans: Biltong, Boerewors & Pap
For expatriates, food is more than sustenance—it’s memory and identity. At Something From Home, fresh biltong tops many shopping lists. The store offers ready-to-eat options, DIY kits, spices, and recipes for home curing.
Other staples include boerewors for braais, maize meal for pap, sweet treats like koeksisters and Bar One chocolate, and traditional cookware such as potjiekos pots and Robertson’s spices. These items let expats recreate the tastes and traditions of South Africa in their New Zealand kitchens.
Moments That Matter: When a Shop Becomes a Safety Net
Beyond commerce, Something From Home has made a difference in moments of need. One widely shared story involves a diabetic South African woman who collapsed in the store. Staff and fellow shoppers quickly provided care until medical help arrived. The owners shared the incident to highlight the “true South African spirit” that turned strangers into caregivers.
Other stories include expats discovering the shop during lockdowns, receiving care packages of rusks and sweets that eased isolation. One mother described how a box of South African treats bridged a 12,000 km gap on Mother’s Day. These moments reflect the store’s purpose—community, comfort, and connection.
Community Building: Events & Expat Ties
Something From Home extends its mission through events and partnerships. Easter egg hunts feature South African treats, and the loyalty program encourages regular engagement. The shop collaborates with expat groups like South Africans in Auckland, hosting Springbok watch parties and potluck gatherings where pap meets pavlova.
The store’s online content shares practical advice—from import costs to cooking tips—and celebrates shared traditions. It’s a reminder that belonging isn’t defined by geography, but by the connections we nurture.
Why It Resonates Globally
In an age of migration and mobility, Something From Home captures a universal truth: belonging is created, not inherited. For South Africans in New Zealand, this shop represents resilience, memory, and care. It shows that a taste or a kind gesture can bridge worlds.
Whether you’re a South African in Browns Bay or a curious Kiwi discovering droëwors for the first time, Something From Home proves that flavors and kindness can make any place feel like home.