Commonsense

Values

Our Story

Commonsense is a family business based on three key values: organic food, environmental sustainability, and fairtrade. 

Their stores are the place to go for ethically-produced fresh food, groceries, cosmetics, and other home necessities. They have qualified health professionals in-store and carry a range of specialist products that meet the needs of those affected by allergies and food intolerances.

Commonsense was formed in 1991 as a response to the threat to food security created by a flawed economic system. This same system has landed us in a chilling fight for our survival as climate change becomes our new reality. Globally we are facing the extinction of common food species and water shortages in the near to medium future. 

“Environmental consequences are factored into every decision we make at Commonsense and we strive for continual improvements in the way we operate and use resources in our business. It is always at the forefront of our minds.”

As a large chain of retail stores, Commongood has hundreds of suppliers that are in some way contributing to a better world.

When Commonsense cannot find a local product they search the world to find ethically produced products including Fairtrade certified coffee, tea, sugar, chocolate, spices, dried fruit, olive oil and rice, over ninety products in total, all found by clicking Fair Trade on their Shop page.

“Fair Trade is one of our cornerstone values at Commonsense and we are proud to carry the widest selection of Fair Trade food in the country.”

Commonsense prioritises products that are independently certified (e.g. organic and Fairtrade certification) and rely on the validation that these processes provide.

Where suppliers are not certified this may be because they are small local producers, in which case the Commongood team asks them to sign a personal affidavit verifying that their practices are in line with their requirements. Often they will mentor businesses in transition to certification.

Giving Back

Commonsense is happy to contribute to local organisations and events that share their values and often gives to groups in our communities in a variety of ways. 

Their head office is a primary sponsor of the Porirua Schools Garden Club and is proud to have supported this amazing initiative for the last few years. The Club works with teachers, local volunteers, and kids in a number of low decile schools to grow their own organic food. Commonsense is also a contributor to Seeds to Feeds - a festival that spans the growing season, resulting in a week-long harvest festival of community feasts showcasing local food.

You can visit a Commonsense store in-person in Wellington City, Kilbirnie, Lower Hutt, Kapiti and Mt Eden in Auckland or shop online at www.commonsenseorganics.co.nz.