Canterbury’s bold B Corp businesses

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Can you imagine an economy that’s designed to support people and planet? That’s what the B Corp movement is about and Canterbury has a hard core of companies determined to do better business. Metropol deputy editor Tamara Pitelen goes in search of Canterbury’s B Corps.

What’s a B Corp? It refers to a Certified B Corporation, a business that strives to meet high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. These companies are part of a 10,000-strong global movement that aims to redefine success in business as a model that aligns profit with positive impact on people and planet. In Australia and New Zealand, 732 companies are certified B Corps, representing a wide range of industries. From creative agencies to dairy giants and broadband telcos, B Corps are rewriting the rules – proving that business can be a force for good.

Why B Corp matters in Canterbury

Canterbury’s local government aims to halve carbon emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2045. B Corps such as Synlait and Ethique are already pioneering this shift, advancing regenerative practices and reducing environmental harm.

Moreover, ChristchurchNZ’s Economic Ambition, which envisions a future based on a regenerative economy, frames local B Corps as vital beacons for other businesses – living proof that ethical practices and commercial success can go hand in hand.

With nearly 30 B Corps in Canterbury, the region is well-positioned to lead the regenerative business movement.

Local leaders showing the way

As of this month, Christchurch is home to 26 B Corps, including well-known names like Ethique, and Kathmandu. The full list is (as of July 2025):

1. Eagle Protect: Distributes ethically sourced disposable gloves and clothing for the food, industrial and medical sectors.
2. Ethique: Eco-friendly hair, face and body beauty bars free from plastic, palm oil, or animal products.
3. Brown Bread: Creates branding, campaigns, experiences and events that help create a better Aotearoa for all.
4. Grow Good: If you want to be a B Corp, call Grow Good. A consultancy that helps fast-track and simplify your B Corp certification journey.
5. Kathmandu (KMD Brands): Global outdoor, sports and lifestyle brand consisting of Kathmandu, Oboz and Rip Curl.
6. Synlait Milk Limited: Agribusiness headquartered in Dunsandel, Synlait was New Zealand’s first dairy processor to earn certification.
7. Like-Minded Learning Ltd: Supports all aspects of learning design and development.
8. Untouched World: A sustainable lifestyle fashion company.
9. Gourmate Pet Treat Co: Pet treats from locally and fairly sourced ingredients.
10. Jeuneora: Cruelty-free, marine collagen and plant-based beauty and wellness supplements and skincare.
11. Leadership Lab: Impact-focused leadership consultancy.
12. Gemelli Consulting: Financial and commercial advisory services for organisations with social, environmental, and economic impact. Gives 100% of profits to KidsCan and Habitat for Humanity.
13. Sustained Fun: Sustainable children’s toys.
14. Not Another: A full-service creative agency based in Sumner.
15. Orbica Ltd: A geospatial platform that enables people to better manage large data sets and gain geospatial insights to benefit people and planet.
16. Medsalv: Remanufactures single-use medical devices back into hospitals for safe reuse.
17. Enable Fibre Broadband: Delivers fibre broadband to more than 160,000 customers across greater Ōtautahi.
18. Bennetto Natural Foods: Dairy-free chocolate that benefits people, animals, and the environment.
19. Akaroa Dolphins: Family-owned business that offers nature cruises.
20. Soul Studio Hot Yoga: Hot yoga and Pilates classes.
21. Jade Software: Uses technology as an enabler to accelerate businesses.
22. McHugh & Shaw: Independent assurance provider specialising in sustainability assurance, carbon verification, and environmental auditing services.
23. Fairground Accounting: An auditing and accountancy firm that supports impact enterprises.
24. Shorthouse Consulting: Fractional, virtual marketing leadership and coaching for technology and innovation companies.
25. Cavell Leitch: Law firm with a commitment to social responsibility and positive change for its clients, community, and the environment.
26. Mylk Made: Provides sustainable alternatives to traditional carton packaged plant mylk by offering concentrated mylk bases in glass jars.

B Corp Fast Facts

2006
B Lab was founded in 2006 in the United States by three friends who shared a vision to make business a force for good. The first 82 B Corps were certified in 2007.

1
Canterbury is home to New Zealand’s first ever B Corp company, Eagle Protect, which gained certification in November 2012.

173
The number of B Corps headquartered in
New Zealand, July 2025.

732
The number of B Corps headquartered in Australasia, July 2025.

10,003
The number of B Corps globally, July 2025.