As one of New Zealand’s oldest and most respected candle makers, we've built a reputation on tradition, craftsmanship and dedication to quality. For over half a century, we have been illuminating Kiwi homes and spaces with high-quality, locally made candles—handcrafted using the finest raw materials and time-honoured techniques.
Our Story: Made in New Zealand
For over half a century we've been handcrafted world-class candles right here in Wellington. As a certified New Zealand Made business, our candles reflect a commitment to local craftsmanship, sustainability, and quality. Using time-honoured techniques and carefully sourced materials, our small team of experts craft each candle with care and purpose. Candles that tell a uniquely New Zealand story. By choosing National Candles over generations, Kiwis have supported local manufacturing, skilled artisans, and a legacy of integrity that stands the test of time.
Our roots trace back over 100 years to the Prices Patent Candle Company—once part of the Shell Oil empire. When Shell exited the candle business in 1969, National Candles was born. Since then, we’ve been lighting homes, businesses, and sacred spaces across Aotearoa with candles of a quality that are made to last.
A New Chapter: STILL
Fast forward to 2025, National Candles is now proudly part of the STILL Group— a collective that approaches business the way art approaches culture—seeking to elevate the everyday into something extraordinary. We remain true to our heritage while embracing a future built on beauty, quality, and craft. Locally made, and here to stay.
Committed to Quality:
Exceptional candles begin with exceptional materials. We source only the best: pure local beeswax from trusted NZ beekeepers, cosmetic-grade paraffin from Nippon Seiro in Japan, and premium cotton wicks from Wedo Wicks in Germany. Every choice reflects our dedication to excellence—something New Zealanders have trusted for generations.
Our Partnerships
We believe great candles can light up lives in more ways than one. That’s why we’re proud to partner with the Whitford Brown Community Trust in Porirua, where adults with disabilities help handcraft our tealight range—wicking, cupping, and packing with skill and heart. Together, we’re building more than candles—we’re building confidence and community.
Traditional Techniques:
Craftsmanship lives at the core of everything we do. Our Wellington team uses heritage tools and age-old methods to pour, finish, and pack each candle by hand. The result? A range that’s rich in tradition, care, and quality.
Majella:
Majella is one our most traditional ranges, made using the ancient ‘drawing’ technique—a slow, layered method, once reserved solely for church candles. First crafted in 1938, Majella candles offer unmatched performance and a textured composition and timeless beauty. Preserving this process is our way of keeping meaningful craft alive for generations to come.
