Supporting local businesses and maintaining a national sense of pride is something Kiwis are great at, and the heart of Auckland city has a variety of stores that feature a range of products that embody the spirit of Aotearoa. Check out these places next time you're looking for something quintessentially Kiwi, and made in NZ.
Image credit: Aotea Facebook page
Aotea | Commercial Bay
New to the city centre, Aotea brings their range of home-grown, New Zealand made health products that are inspired by the traditions of Māori herbal medicine. From day creams to night creams, balms, soaps and oils, every product is made with the utmost care using sustainably grown native flora and blended with powerful, complimentary herbs.
Scarecrow | 33 Victoria St East
Scarecrow is simultaneously a cafe, grocery store, gift shop, and florist. At the heart of the business, creating and selling organic products is their top priority. If you are looking to buy a special gift for someone, perhaps a gift basket is the way to go. The Coffee Lover gift basket includes local coffee and other goodies, while the Chocolate Lover gift basket includes Fix and Fogg Chocolate and Hazelnut butter, and chocolate from the Wellington Chocolate Factory.
Checks Downtown | 7 High Street
Checks Downtown is at the forefront of the new generation of New Zealand design. Placing a value on high quality materials, ethical production, and an always playful attitude, Checks is fast becoming an iconic brand that is highly sought after. Some standout pieces include their “Cindy Hoodie”, which features the face of beloved Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, or their t-shirt collaboration with Good Day Cafe in Orakei.
Pauanesia | 35 High St
Celebrating Aotearoa since 1995, Pauanesia is the go-to destination for high-quality and artisan gifts that reflect the spirit of New Zealand. From a beautiful Kakariki tea towel, a Kahurangi pillow cushion, or a Kauri merino mohair blanket, create a space in your house that is both comfortable and proud of the country we live in.
Comvita | 139 Quay St
Known for their speciality skin care, Comvita offers a great selection of products that are suited to your health and wellbeing. There is something for everyone, such as their Wound Gel, which contains Manuka honey as a natural and alternative approach to healing. Their naturally fermented apple cider vinegar also contains Manuka honey and can be taken as a health tonic or used in cooking.
RUBY | 4 High St
RUBY has long been known as a classic New Zealand label with a flair for youthful and stylish designs. Originating from a streetwear aesthetic, RUBY has evolved and its collections are further enhanced with a curated selection of footwear, jewellery and accessories. This winter their new collection is RUBY Incandescent, focusing on personal wellness and joy, featuring knitwear, tartan, and silky slip dresses. Designed here in New Zealand, a large majority of Ruby's gorgeous pieces are made right here too including their super comfy woven garments such as the watermelon sweater, corvette pant, Liam Weirder slip and the firebird pant.
Aotea Gifts | 148 Quay St
Aotea Gifts is a souvenir store that is filled with products that are special to New Zealand. From Koha Lanolin body lotion, manuka honey soap, or an Antipodes gift pack, there is something for everyone. If you are looking to buy a thoughtful, New Zealand-inspired gift for a loved one or simply something for yourself, Aotea Gifts can be your next shopping destination.
Edmund Hillary | Commercial Bay
Inspired by the styles worn by Sir Edmund Hillary during his expedition of Mt Everest in 1953, The Edmund Hillary brand has a strong kiwi personality. Many of the garments in-store are made right here in New Zealand with others made in the UK or Europe featuring garments to suit all your outdoor adventure needs. If you're not off on an expedition right now, Edmund Hillary is also great for stocking up your winter wardrobe. Cosy up this winter with their 100% Merino beanie made right here in New Zealand.
twenty-seven names | Commercial Bay
twenty-seven names is NZ made through and through. From inception, twenty-seven names has been committed to sustainability, ethical production, and supporting the local industry. twenty-seven names are masters at adding a pop of colour to your wardrobe, like with the Emeritus jacket pictured above. Every garment is unique in it's design and their current collection is one they are most proud of.
Yu Mei | Commercial Bay
Yu Mei is a leather goods label devoted to the creation of understated luxury. Concepts and designs for Yu Mei's bags are created in Wellington, the leather is made from premium South Island Red Deer nappa (sourced and farmed sustainably and humanely), and the designs are all put together in Hong Kong. Yu Mei has a bag to suit every occasion, from your everyday go-to to your late-night party bags such as the Vi Bag above. This little wonder features a lamb skin lining, card slots, a zip tail and adjustable shoulder strap.