Summer is here and what better way to appreciate our country’s unique offerings than a classic roadie. Reminding Kiwis to continue to support local while travelling, Trade Aid has created a fold out pocket map that locates over 100 ethical hotspots of New Zealand.
Connecting ethical NZ businesses with conscious consumers, the map highlights local coffee spots, boutique stores, delicious organic grocers, as well as Trade Aid’s 25 retail stores.
Trade Aid’s Sarah Kelleher says the map was a solution to supporting local ethical businesses through the tricky time of Covid. With over 1000 wholesale customers and the current travel restrictions, it seemed like the right way to go.
“On my travels it has often been tricky to find ethical coffee spots or organic produce in a new town. With this map you can find hidden treasures you might not find on your average traveller’s guide.”
The businesses across the map are a selection of Trade Aid wholesale customers. Kelleher says it was important to choose a diverse range of locations and product ranges, while keeping the traveller in mind.
“We thought about a ‘road-tripper’, what they would want to visit on their travels and what they might need.”
While Kiwis are free to roam the country, the rest of the world aren’t quite as lucky. One way New Zealand is connected to the world right now is through the globally produced items we are eating, drinking and using. Kelleher says it’s important for people to support ethical local businesses as the statistics of poverty, inequality and modern day slavery rise.
“We want kiwis to get into their local communities, help our small local businesses thrive and do that whilst contributing a positive global impact.”
So far, the initiative has received a positive reception from travellers with plenty of maps been picked up at Trade Aid shops. Trade Aid has also had enquiries from businesses who think the map is a great project and would love to be included.
“The stores we’ve included on the map are really positive and receptive to this business community, and are really looking forward to meeting some road-trippers this summer.”
Pick up The Feel Good Road Trip of Aotearoa from your local Trade Aid shop or download one here for your next tiki tour.