New Zealand has a reputation as a clean, green country, where many people do care about sustainability. Like many aspects of life here, living organically has its own unique local flavour. In the following article, we explain how Kiwis pursue an organic lifestyle and how expats can access it too.
Organic Food: High Quality, But a Smaller Market
While food quality in New Zealand is generally high across the board, the certified organic food market is still relatively small. With a population of just over five million, demand for premium-priced organics is limited – and much of the produce grown at scale is exported to markets where demand (and returns) are higher.
Due to NZ’s strong farming heritage and relatively low use of artificial additives, even non-organic food often feels ‘closer to nature’ than what many expats may be used to. For example, most beef is grass-fed and free-range, and produce is often grown with fewer inputs, even when it isn’t certified organic.
If you’re specifically looking for certified organic products, they’re here – you just might have to seek them out.
Where to Buy Organic Food
In the bigger cities, there are some great specialist stores that carry a wide range of organic products. These include:
Farro Fresh (Auckland) – more of a gourmet food store, but has a solid organic selection
Commonsense Organics (Wellington) – a go-to for ethically minded shoppers
Piko Wholefoods (Christchurch) – long-standing and community-focused
Fresh Choice (Nelson) - with a strong selection of organic and local products
Taste Nature (Dunedin) - one of the best spots for natural and wholefoods in the South
Most regular supermarkets like New World and Woolworths will have a small organic section – usually fruit, veg, meat, and pantry staples. But you’ll also find better (and often fresher) options at farmers markets or local co-ops.
Buying direct from the grower is another option with online order services, like Organic Fruit & Vegetable Box | From Farmer To Your Door! And don’t be surprised to see roadside honesty boxes selling spray-free veggies or free-range eggs. That’s pretty normal here.
Furniture and Homewares: Natural and Locally Made
Kiwis value natural materials and low-toxicity finishes in the home too. Whether it’s handcrafted wooden furniture or eco-friendly cleaning products, there’s a quiet but steady focus on sustainable living.
You will find options from local businesses that use sustainably sourced timber, natural oils, and eco-conscious designs. Ethical furniture and homeware stores to look out for include:
Ecosa – eco mattresses and bedding
In Nature – handcrafted solid wood furniture
Eco Store – natural home cleaning and body care
Clothing: Sustainable, Stylish, and Full of Merino
In New Zealand, "wearing a merino" is part of the national lexicon – and for good reason. Merino wool is a natural fibre superstar: lightweight, breathable, and great at regulating body temperature, making it a favourite for outdoor wear.
While fully organic fashion ranges remain niche, interest in sustainable and ethical clothing is growing. From proudly local to globally grown brands with Kiwi roots, some standouts include:
Kowtow Clothing – certified organic and ethically made
Ascolour – quality basics with a sustainability focus
Icebreaker – merino garments designed for performance and the planet
Living organically in New Zealand isn’t always about certification or premium price tags – often, it’s about the general quality and traceability of what you’re buying. While the organic market here may be smaller than in other countries, the Kiwi focus on local, seasonal, and sustainable means you will still find plenty to align with an eco-conscious lifestyle.
With a bit of local know-how – and a few trips to the farmers market – you will soon get into the swing of things. Before long, picking up veggies with a bit of dirt still on them or grabbing a bunch of herbs from someone’s driveway stand will feel completely normal.
Kia ora and welcome to New Zealand!
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If you are a recruiter or HR Professional bringing international talent to NZ Mobile Relocation has a range of settlement support services to suit your candidates and your business - from baseline support to meet Immigration New Zealand’s AEWV Accreditation requirements (Kiwi Launch Pad) through to personalised programmes to support your most valued international employees.
Bridget is a New Zealander who has lived and worked as a diplomat in Singapore and India. After experiencing all facets of the relocation experience, she founded Mobile to work with private individuals moving to NZ and leading local and international businesses bringing in offshore talent.
Source: www.mobile-relocation.com