Hutt Valley Businesses Leading the Sustainable Way

Nestled in the heart of Petone, Stansborough is a textile company unlike any other. This family-run business produces exquisite woollen textiles from their own rare breed of grey sheep raised in the Wairarapa. Their throws, scarves, and cloaks have even graced the silver screen, as seen in The Lord of the Rings and The Chronicles of Narnia. Every detail, from the weaving to the labels and bespoke packaging, is 100% New Zealand-made.

For clothing cut from quite a different cloth, but still with that sustainable ethos at heart, head to central Lower Hutt and check out Lagi, a vibrant, colourful celebration of Pacific fashion and culture. Catering to the style needs of urban Pasifika communities, the store offers a unique selection of clothing and accessories that blend contemporary fashion with traditional craftsmanship. By sourcing directly from Pacific artisans and businesses, Lagi supports local economies while ensuring the continuation of time-honoured artistic traditions.

A visit to the Dowse Art Museum, one of the Wellington region’s premier galleries, isn’t complete without stopping by its boutique store. Stocking a carefully curated range of art, design, and sustainable wares, the store is committed to championing local artists and makers. Whether it’s handcrafted ceramics, ethically sourced jewelry, or contemporary home decor, every item tells a story of creativity and conscious design.

Meanwhile, over in Upper Hutt, Tigerlily Gift Store is a treasure trove of beautifully crafted gifts and accessories. Proudly supporting New Zealand-made and designed products, the store embraces fair trade principles, with many of their globally sourced pieces made sustainably and ethically.

For those who appreciate the charm of vintage and retro finds, Take Me Back Traders is a must-visit. Specialising in collectibles from the 1970s and earlier, this store is a paradise for those looking for a (sustainable) trip down memory lane - think classic furniture, vintage posters, and quirky collectibles. By giving pre-loved items a second life, Take Me Back Traders promotes conscious shopping while helping customers discover one-of-a-kind treasures.

Also in Upper Hutt, Avisons is a calming oasis of lush greenery and impeccable gifts and homeware. From bags and wall art to kitchenware and luxurious bedding, you’ll find a statement piece or two for every room in the home. Best of all, the store operates with an eco-friendly approach, taking steps both small and large to limit their ecological footprint - from sourcing carbon neutral products, to reducing the use of plastic packaging, and using energy-efficient lighting.

Few beverages scream ‘Hutt Valley’ quite like a sustainable cup of world-class coffee. The home of one of Wellington’s finest roasters, Good Fortune Coffee, can be found in Petone and lives up to its name - every bean they roast is 100% certified fair trade organic.

Based in Gracefield, Karamu is another roaster that wears the fair trade organic badge with pride, and they also actively support local charities, contributing to initiatives that strengthen communities both at home and abroad. And don’t forget to pop by Ripe Coffee, where every bag of beans can be traced back to the farm or washing station where it originated.

For chocolate lovers with a conscience, The Chocolate Story is well worth a visit. Inspired by French and European techniques, this artisan chocolatier creates handmade chocolates using locally sourced ingredients, free from additives and mass production. The premium chocolates here are made in small batches to ensure quality and authenticity, and the emphasis on ethical sourcing and craftmanship is palpable.

Lastly, any neighbourhood in the Wellington region worth its salt has a good bakery or two - and the Hutt Valley has plenty of them. Jean’s in Upper Hutt is a small but mighty artisan bakery that prides itself on traditional techniques and in-house production. Specialising in French-style pastries and baked goods, Jean’s goes the extra mile by making many of their ingredients from scratch, including jams, pickles, kimchi, and sauerkraut. Their commitment to sustainability shines through in their use of high-quality, locally sourced ingredients, ensuring that every bite is as ethical as it is delicious.