The Kāpiti Coast Businesses Leading the Way in Sustainability

Created by a small team right here on the Kāpiti Coast, Apostle’s hot sauces have become wildly popular and can now be found in homes, eateries, and shops around the world. Despite reaching the dizzying heights of success, Apostle has stuck religiously to its eco-friendly core, which is evident in every step of the production chain. Their locally sourced organic ingredients are delivered in Pallecons that are swapped out after use, and their recipes are designed to reduce food waste - in fact, not straining out any of the ingredients also results in a thicker, fuller flavour. And with a bottle return system featuring 27 return locations from Whangarei to Invercargill, Apostle’s sustainable approach can be felt literally the length of the country.

Commonsense’s business model is simple, focusing on three key pillars: organic food, environmental sustainability, and fair trade. Having long been a household name in Wellington, the Commonsense store at Coastlands Mall is a welcome addition to Paraparaumu, ensuring Kāpiti Coast locals have easy access to high-quality, ethically sourced produce. To get on the Commonsense shelves, all products need to pass the business’s rigorous buying principles, which include a preference for organic certification, local growers and suppliers, safe ingredients, and a whole lot more. It’s just common sense.

A cosy neighbourhood cafe that Paraparaumu locals flock to in every season, no matter the weather, Dark Horse has proven adept at standing the test of time. A large part of this is their deliberate focus on sustainable practices, which is imbued in every corner of the business. The Loring hot air roaster, for instance, has helped cut down 80% of the emissions produced by conventional roasting. The coffee bags are also all recyclable, and customers are invited to make use of the recycling station on-site. Great to know your morning coffee doesn’t cost the earth.

A colourful working distillery that brings crate-loads of energy and fantastic beverages to the Kāpiti Coast, The Bond Store also boasts a strong sustainability focus. At its core is the distillery’s crate system, which the team set up to crack down on cardboard and glass waste. The crates that are used to deliver The Bond Store’s gins, vodkas, and limoncellos are returned, along with the used bottles, which are washed, sanitised, refilled, and returned to clients. It’s how The Bond Store plays its role as a responsible, environmentally friendly local business, one crate at a time.

For complete guilt-free clothes shopping, head along to Juli Hunter in Waikanae. With its tagline of ‘eco-friendly style’, you can rest assured the collections and practices here are carefully designed to minimise fashion’s environmental impact. All of Juli Hunter’s clothing, homewares, and accessories are one-offs or made-to-order, so they can be enjoyed sustainably by the community. The team also has a focus on using pre-loved or upcycled fabrics where possible, breathing new life into them as new pieces to be enjoyed. To further encourage the community to treasure what they already have, the shop offers a comprehensive alterations service to prolong the life of any garment.

Born out of a passion for keeping things spick and span, Figgy & Co’s cleaning products not only keep your home in top condition but the environment as well. A relentless focus on using safe, healthy ingredients means their entire range is free of toxic chemicals, and they keep well clear of materials like plastic packaging and tape. The workshop in Paraparaumu is a sight to behold, showcasing Figgy & Co’s sustainability in action - there’s a refill station, so bring your own bottles. Eco-friendliness is woven into every little detail, from the ability to track which island your soap comes from, to a workshop policy banning takeaway coffee cups.

A sleek little glamping site that offers breathtaking views of Kāpiti Island, the South Island, Mount Taranaki, and beyond, a stay at Falcon Ridge will bring you closer to nature in more ways than one. The grounds are part of a long-term eco-tourism project, with proceeds going towards the regeneration of the native forest throughout the property. The best way to appreciate this first-hand is by taking a stroll through the walking track behind the cabin, which takes you through an ancient stand of Macrocarpa trees. Stay at Falcon Ridge and kick back and relax, knowing full well you’re leaving a positive impact on the area.

A proud local Kāpiti Coast company, We Love Local offers carefully curated gift boxes and hampers you can send to loved ones around the country. And they’re in the business of sharing joy in more ways than one, boasting a strong commitment to reducing their environmental impact. Stocking only New Zealand-made products means their carbon footprint is kept to a minimum, and 100% renewable energy is used at both their commercial storage space and home office. All gifts are packed in a reusable wooden box (filled with natural wood wool - no cellophane!) that can be sent back to be recycled. A great way to satisfy your friends, family, and the environment.