Your May 2025 Newsletter

May 2025

Kia Ora

As May settles in, New Zealand moves through the autumn season, or Fall for those from North America.

This month, we take a look at New Zealand’s organic food scene - and what that really means if you are coming from abroad. While the commercial organic market is smaller than in countries like the US or UK, the everyday food quality here tends to be higher, less processed, and often produced with genuine care for the land.

We also highlight the much-loved Auckland Writers Festival, a five-day celebration of literature and ideas that brings together some of the sharpest local and international voices. It is a great way to tap into New Zealand’s rich cultural life.

For those considering where to settle, we are seeing increasing interest in Christchurch. Valued by Kiwis for its liveability and near-new infrastructure, Christchurch is now gaining recognition among international clients too. We share insights from one of our recent clients, Charles Herring, who chose Christchurch as the new home for himself and his wife.

Finally, we have created a retail store comparison guide across New Zealand, the US, UK and South Africa. As you adjust to life in New Zealand, having a handle on where to shop for the things you need makes a big difference in feeling at home here.

The Organic Food Scene in New Zealand: What to Expect

New Zealand has a strong reputation for being clean, green, and environmentally conscious - something that appeals to many people looking to move here. While the country’s commitment to sustainability is genuine, it’s worth understanding how this translates into the availability of organic food.

The commercial organic market here is relatively small compared to places like the US and Europe. This mainly comes down to population size - with just over five million people, the number of consumers able or willing to pay premium prices for organic food is naturally limited. As a result, much of the organic produce grown at scale is exported overseas, where demand is higher.

That said, New Zealand's food production, organic or otherwise, tends to be of very high quality. The country's farming traditions, care for the land, and minimal use of additives mean that even non-certified produce is often grown with a level of care that feels much closer to "natural" than what many visitors might be used to at home. For example, the vast majority of the beef you buy in NZ will be grass rather than grain fed and stock will have lived in pastures rather than sheds.

If you are specifically looking for certified organic options, you will often need to seek them out - local farmers markets, independent grocers, and smaller suppliers can be great sources. Some small producers sell directly to consumers via Facebook and Instagram, and it is not uncommon to buy fresh produce straight from the farm gate.

Clothing and Fashion

When it comes to clothing, New Zealand has a strong reputation for producing high-quality, natural fibre garments, often with a focus on sustainability.

One of our best known locally-produced natural fibres is merino wool, and you’ll often hear Kiwis talk about ‘wearing a merino’ rather than a sweater or jersey. We love merino wool garments because they are lightweight, breathable and excellent for outdoor pursuits like hiking and skiing as they don’t hold body odour.

However, similar to food and furniture, the overall organic clothing market is quite niche. Most mainstream fashion in New Zealand is imported, and fully organic clothing ranges are still relatively limited in-store.

The organic and ethical ranges from the following New Zealand brands are worth checking out:

Kowtow Clothing

Ascolour
icebreaker

Auckland Writers Festival (13-18 May)

Each May, Auckland hosts the Auckland Writers Festival, a five-day celebration of literature, ideas, and creativity. Featuring a rich line-up of renowned authors, poets, and thinkers from both New Zealand and around the world, the festival offers a vibrant mix of readings, discussions, and workshops.

What makes the Auckland Writers Festival truly special is its unique blend of local and global influences. While it proudly showcases New Zealand’s literary talent and distinct cultural voice, it also draws international writers and perspectives. Whether you're a passionate reader or simply curious, it’s an inspiring way to experience New Zealand's strong literary culture in an inclusive and lively setting.