Commonsense

For wholesome, healthy grocery choices, it makes perfect sense to shop at Commonsense. For consumers conscious of making organic, sustainable. and environmentally friendly choices, their flagship store on Tory Street is a great destination. Visitors can make thoughtful choices in a welcoming atmosphere. You’ll find fresh food, organic fruit and vegetables, pantry staples, and natural beauty products. There are also refill options and environmentally friendly household goods. 

Commonsense has been helping New Zealanders shop more sustainably for decades. The story begins in 1975 with founders Jim Kebbell and Marion Wood. “The business started with an organic farm — Common Property — in Te Horo. The principles of organic farming came from my maternal grandmother, Frances,” explains Lucy Kebbell, Jim and Marion’s daughter. She’s the Chair of Commonsense and Head of Communications and Corporate Services. 

The first store opened in Wellington in 1991 when Lucy and her brother were teenagers. “We just helped out with whatever needed doing at the time. Serving in the shop, cleaning, stocking shelves, deliveries. Our friends were also roped in from time to time — my best friend at high school is now the CEO!”

The family business has grown from a small organic venture into a Wellington success story. Its focus remains unchanged: making it easier for people to choose products that are good for them and good for the earth. Lucy says that buying local is very important. “With five stores, this can look different in all our locations. For example, our Kilbirnie store did a roaring trade in surf wax made by local teens in Lyall Bay. In the Hutt Valley, we have organic sourdough baker extraordinaire — Neville Chun — who only supplies our Lower Hutt store.”

Wellingtonians may still think of it as Commonsense Organics, but these days it’s simply Commonsense. The shift reflects an evolution from a specialist organic grocer to a wider movement. The shop is focused on environmental sustainability, fair trade, and conscious consumption. “Values have never mattered more than they do today,” says Lucy.