The B Corp movement has always been about more than certification. It’s about connection. Shared values. Taking bold steps together, for people, planet and collective prosperity.
While B Lab AANZ provides leadership and support, and the global standards set the direction, the energy that powers the movement has always come from the community itself.
In Aotearoa New Zealand, that spirit is flowing strong, thanks to the wholehearted and courageous volunteers leading the country’s three B Locals. What exactly is a B Local? What makes them so special? And how can you get involved? Let’s find out.
What are B Locals?
B Locals are a vital and vibrant part of the B Corp ecosystem. They are volunteer-led groups that bring together Certified B Corporations and the broader purpose-led business community in a particular city or region. Innately grassroots and action-oriented, they are an essential way to live the B Corp values beyond your four walls.
From Ōtautahi Christchurch to Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, each B Local reflects the unique rhythm and flavour of its place. With regular opportunities to connect, collaborate, and celebrate business as a force for good → find a B Local near you!
Image: Brightly
Spreading the B Corp magic across Aotearoa:
Te Whanganui-a-Tara | Wellington
For Cassidy Dewar (Kiwibank), stepping up to co-lead the B Local Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington was all about fostering community: “I wanted to connect with and support other like-minded people from B Corps, values-led and purpose-driven businesses.”
Together with Sam Pigott (Sharesies) and Kuntal Sutaria-Mehta (Kin), this team curates a regular mix of educational webinars, community panels, and in-person meetups where people gather to reflect and connect. From a recent Matariki celebration to panel discussions on balancing innovation in AI with responsibility as inclusive leaders, this B Local doesn’t shy away from difficult conversations.
We are here to show that business can create benefits for people, communities, and the planet. It’s not just about formal certification — it’s about facilitating connection on topics that matter to our community.
— Cassidy Dewar, B Local Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington
Keen to experience the B Local vibe in Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington? Subscribe to their newsletter or contact the team if you are interested in joining as a B Local Leader!
Ōtautahi | Christchurch
This particular B Local is all about keeping it real and building momentum from the ground up. Tim Jones (Grow Good) has been part of the movement since the early days, inspired by B Corp pioneer and CEO of the first Certified B Corporation in Aotearoa, Steve Ardagh of Eagle Protect.
Co-leading with Kath Row (Eagle Protect) and Cathy Gillespie (Like-Minded Learning), the Ōtautahi Christchurch team likes to keep it pretty casual. With regular meetups at the local pub to spark connections in a low-pressure environment, they ‘go big’ during B Corp Month — hosting some of the biggest events in Aotearoa.
We’ve been running B Locals here for over a decade, purely as volunteers, and without a budget. People don’t always realise that. They’re also not just for Certified B Corps. The B Curious and Wanna Bs are also welcome!
— Tim Jones, B Local Ōtautahi Christchurch
Image: Grow Good
Want to come along to the next event hosted by B Local Ōtautahi Christchurch? Sign up for updates →
Tāmaki Makaurau | Auckland
Over in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, the B Local is buzzing with activity and strong community vibes. From regular coffee catchups to lively after-work drinks and deep-dive panel sessions, this B Local really showcases the movement’s heart and diversity.
“We’ve been running this since 2019, even before we got certified,” says Amanda Butterworth from B Corp Brightly, who co-leads this B Local alongside Tara Daly from Tax Traders and Ashleigh Banks from Ozone Coffee. Building on the work of Mike Carroll, Nives Kolaric-Penman, Lorena Tames and many others, this part of the world has grown quite a thriving B Corp community.
Results from a recent workshop revealed that the community’s top priorities for coming together are connection, collaboration, and shared learning, “so we make sure every event includes a little bit of each,” Amanda shares. From speed networking events to delicious (and B Corp-certified) breakfasts, this B Local loves a new face as much as ‘the regulars’.
The goal is to make genuine connections and get people motivated about the movement. I’m really passionate about doing business better, and I love being part of B Local, meeting like-minded people and seeing the awesome mahi (work) everyone is doing in this space.
— Amanda Butterworth, B Local Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland
Image: Brightly
In the area? Be the first to know about the next event in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland or connect with the team if you are interested in joining as a volunteer.
Why B Locals matter
In a world where purpose can sometimes feel like a lonely path, B Locals remind us that we don’t have to go it alone. At their core, B Locals are about more than business. They’re about people — people who care, who challenge, who show up for each other and the world.
B Locals are designed to be open, inclusive spaces for values-aligned people at every stage of their journey. Plus, they’re living proof that systems change doesn’t have to start at the top. It can begin with a conversation, a casual meetup, or the spark of an idea created over a meal.
It can be hard to stay motivated and feel encouraged when we are trying to create systemic change. These informal catch ups are a great chance for the community to connect in a low-pressure environment.
— Amanda Butterworth, B Local Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland
Whether you’re new to the B Corp community, considering certification, or simply trying to run a business that’s better for people and planet, there’s space for you here. These local groups offer everything from practical advice to solidarity and support, and usually some excellent coffee.
Image: Grow Good
How to get involved
Whether you’re based in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Ōtautahi, Tāmaki Makaurau or beyond, now’s a great time to find your people and power up your purpose.
- Attend an event: Each B Local runs regular meetups. Be brave, and come along! Be sure to check out their LinkedIn, subscribe to B Lab’s monthly ‘What’s Happening’ newsletter, check out the events page on our website, or reach out to one of the local leaders to find out what’s coming up.
- Introduce yourself: Whether you’re already certified or just curious, B Locals welcome values-led people at all stages of the impact journey. Tapping into this wealth of knowledge and connection is one of the most special parts of the B Local movement. As Amanda (B Local Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland) shares: “B Locals can add so much value to your network as well as foster practical ideas to implement into your own organisation.”
- Volunteer your time: Love to connect people? Got ideas for events? Passionate about the movement? B Locals are always looking for enthusiastic new organisers and contributors. Don’t be shy. In fact, Wellington’s B Local team is currently on the lookout for a volunteer to join the crew. So if you’re a connector, a believer in the power of community, or just curious to dip your toe into the B Corp world — now’s your moment. Get in touch with B Local Wellington →
- Start your own: Can’t see a B Local in your area? That might be your sign to start one. Every B Local leader will tell you the same thing: you don’t need a polished plan to get started. As Tim Jones (B Local Ōtautahi Christchurch) says: “it doesn’t have to be perfect — just start”.
Tipping our hats to the B Local leaders
Building on the hard work of those who have come before, none of this would be possible without the passion, generosity, and energy of the B Local leaders in Aotearoa, including: Cassidy, Sam, Kuntal, Tim, Kath, Cathy, Amanda, Tara, and Ashleigh.
Thank you for showing us what it looks like to lead with purpose, build community, and keep the spirit of the B Corp movement alive and thriving across Aotearoa.
