The Bond Store Distillery named on the Next 2025 List
The Bond Store Distillery, Kāpiti, has been included on the annual Next List and recognised as finalists in the Sustainable Business Awards 2025.
The Next List is an annual showcase of New Zealand’s leading sustainable innovators announced by the Sustainable Business Network. It's a list of individuals and organisations paving the way for sustainable change in New Zealand. Each year, it celebrates those proving that doing good for people and the planet isn’t just possible - it’s powerful.
“Within this list lies the blueprint for a better future: radically reduced emissions, elimination of waste, resource reuse, and a natural world restored to abundance. These ventures position Aotearoa as a global beacon of sustainable business.” - Sustainable Business Network
A spot among transformational leaders
The Bond Store is included on the Transformational Leaders list - a group of individuals and teams recognised for their courage, collaboration, and clarity of purpose in leading change. It’s about those brave enough to push boundaries, shift mindsets, and set new standards for what’s possible.
For us, that means keeping sustainability at the heart of everything we do, not as a side project, but as part of who we are. From reusing bottles and saving over 3,600 litres of water daily, to sourcing botanicals from our whānau farm, minimising waste, and hosting community events, our mission has always been to build a business that gives back more than it takes.
“We’ve never seen sustainability as a trend - it’s about taking responsibility for the impact we have and doing what we can to make things better. This recognition means a lot because it reflects that ongoing commitment.” - Bec Kay, Chief Distiller
Doing business the right way, every day
Being recognised on the Next List is a milestone achievement for our The Bond Store team. It reflects what we care about most: doing business the right way, every day.
We’ve always believed that sustainability doesn’t have to be complicated or corporate - it can be local, practical, and woven into everyday decisions. Whether it’s supporting other small producers, creating experiences that bring people together, or finding new ways to reduce our footprint, it’s all part of a bigger picture: a thriving, connected, and sustainable community.
“Recognition like this shines a light on the wider network of local producers we’re proud to work alongside. Sustainability’s not something you achieve on your own - it’s built through community, collaboration, and supporting the people around you who are doing great things too.” - Chris Barber, Co-Founder
We’re incredibly proud to be part of this inspiring group of New Zealanders creating positive change across industries. Here’s to doing things differently, for people and the planet, one small batch at a time.
