Isle of Eden

  February 1, 2022

Meet Your Neighbour, Isle of Eden


The stylish and innovative “Isle of Eden” has moved into the Uptown neighbourhood. Focused on sustainability,

affordability and quality, these sunglasses are some of the best on the planet you’ll be able to find.


Nelson Rayner started Isle of Eden four years ago in London, after dreaming of creating his own sunglasses business for more than a decade. With their first baby on the way, Nelson and his partner ​​Felina Natoli moved back to Aotearoa to start their family and the new business. 


It was an interest in 90’s hip hop and rap music, with their big Versace glasses, that kicked off Nelson’s fascination with sunglasses.
However, with the monopoly from big businesses resulting in an overpriced, unsustainable industry, Nelson’s interest in sunglasses grew into a small business with a different way of doing things.


Each pair is designed by Nelson himself, with every aspect of production and materials from start to finish, executed with the environment in mind. The handmade sunnies are crafted out of a biodegradable material, with lenses that are perfectly designed for Aotearoa’s uniquely strong rays of sun. For people wanting to upcycle their Isle of Eden sunglasses, they can take them into the shop, buy a new pair with a 30% discount, and Nelson will reuse parts of the old sunnies in a new pair.


And the sustainability doesn’t stop there. Every piece of plastic involved in samples, shipping and packaging is recycled and turned into fence posts by Isle of Eden’s partner Future Post. Isle of Eden is also partnered with charitable organisation Sustainable Coastlines, running a programme in which profits from each pair of sunglasses sold go towards a massive beach clean up effort.


When it came to finding their first physical shop location, the decision to move into the Uptown area came down to a combination of things.


“I like that Uptown is such a unique area; it’s definitely on the rise. I’d rather be a part of an area that’s poised for growth than somewhere already established. Price was another big factor; it’s an area that’s affordable for a small business, like us, to get their footing.”


Head along to 46 New North Road to visit Nelson at Isle of Eden and pick yourself up a pair of statement, sustainable, affordable frames, right here in Uptown.


Website: www.isleofeden.co.nz
Instagram: @isle_of_eden
Email: info@isleofeden.co.nz
Address: 46 New North Road, Eden Terrace, Auckland 1021

By Uptown Business Association July 7, 2025
Shop Jumble for July in Uptown to support Common
By Uptown Business Association June 24, 2025
Uptown's Local Voices series brings free gigs to the community
By Uptown Business Association May 14, 2025
FREE GIGS FOR EVERYONE! Uptown is full of musical people – home to iconic venues, recording studios and a thriving community of creatives. This May, in celebration of NZ Music Month, we present the Uptown Local Voices Series – a series of free, spontaneous pop-up gigs bringing live music to unexpected spots across the neighbourhood! Discover the sound of Uptown at our series of performances, popping up in local cafés, community spaces and venues.
By Uptown Business Association January 19, 2025
Originally created by renowned New Zealand artist Sara Hughes in 2017, Magma referenced a ‘volcanic scape’, abstract in form yet influenced by the history and geography of the area. Now, as we welcome in 2025, Magma 2 continues that legacy, bringing fresh energy and vibrancy to the Uptown precinct. “It's been an exciting opportunity for me to create a new artwork for this site, completed on the 17th January 2025 after an intense 10 days of painting, much of it up a scissor lift to reach the top of the 8 metre high wall. “The new artwork titled Magma 2, is also based on what lies below the earth's surface, the bubbling molten rock, containing suspended crystals and volcanic gases. Maungawhau/Mt Eden a reminder of what is below our feet can be seen from the site. “I wanted to capture the movement and power of this invisible force, ever present deep down yet not something we think about as we go about our daily life. “The wall is made from an extremely rough concrete, which is why I decided to apply the paint using an airless sprayer. I love how the lumpy concrete catches the spray, for those walking past and viewing the artwork up close you will see many veiled layers of paint. “I worked with 3 assistants who supported me to paint this vast 512sqm mural, as one of the largest murals in the country, it was great to have their help. “I received many positive comments from people passing by and by those who live in the area when I was painting, lots of people told me how happy they are that the mural is being recreated and how much better the area looks. Brent Kennedy, Uptown Business Association manager says, “The first edition of Magma transformed a bleak grey space into a vivid landmark that became synonymous with Uptown. “While it symbolised an expression of the creativity that can be found in the community, the imagery provides a link to Maungawhau on the horizon, the maunga that overlooks our precinct. “Magma 2 reinforces the space with a new expression of the same theme. People who are familiar with the original work are sure to be delighted to see new life given to an iconic work of public art. “We thank Sara Hughes for her talent and passion in creating the work.” We’ll be celebrating the completion of the mural next week. Details to come. Join our mailing list and keep an eye on our Instagram for updates.  The Uptown Business Association also thank WaterCare and Auckland Transport for their support of the project. Read more about Magma 2 here . Auckland based Sara Hughes is a highly regarded dynamic artist with a well-established career across Australasia. Known for her captivating large-scale installations and public art works that respond to history and site, Hughes' response to this specific location brings her experience of working with complex spaces and colour to the fore, creating this exciting work for the Uptown precinct.
By Uptown Business Association November 6, 2024
The foodie haven on the rise. We're ready to welcome you. 
By Uptown Business Association November 5, 2024
Heroes rise up!
By Uptown Business Association October 29, 2024
A celebration of spring in Uptown!
By Uptown Business Association October 8, 2024
Mark your calendar for Saturday 12 October, 2024
January 24, 2024
Meet Your Neighbour, The Fitness Portal We welcome “The Fitness Portal” to the Uptown neighbourhood. Uptown catches up with co-owner and creative director Taylor Blackler to hear about The Fitness Portal, a brand new gym in the space that was previously home to BodyTech.
October 10, 2023
Spring, community, creativity and collaboration; Branch Out Festival 2023 was a success!