The Hive NZ is your direct gateway to the very best small businesses across Aotearoa. We are more than just an online store; we are a vendor-powered movement designed to make “shopping small” easy, secure, and impactful. When you shop on The Hive, you aren’t just browsing a website—you are walking through a digital marketplace filled with the passion and hard work of hundreds of Kiwi entrepreneurs.

Why choose The Hive NZ?

• Support Real Kiwi Families: Every dollar you spend goes directly to the business owner. There’s no “corporate middleman” here—your purchase helps a local maker, creator, or service provider thrive.

• Unique, Quality Finds: Discover a curated range of products you won’t find in big-box retailers. From handmade crafts and boutique fashion to specialized local services and digital downloads, everything is uniquely Kiwi.

• Shop with Confidence: We use Stripe, a world-leading secure payment gateway, so your data is always protected. Plus, because our vendors are the heart of the platform, you can message them directly with any questions before or after you buy.

• Direct Delivery: Every physical product on our marketplace is sent from within New Zealand, meaning faster shipping times and a smaller carbon footprint.

When you shop at The Hive NZ, you are choosing to keep your money within our communities. You bring the support; our vendors bring the brilliance.

Would you like to read more about our history etc.? please have a look at our ABOUT US PAGE 

Shop on The Hive and help small businesses THRIVE!

The Hive NZ is 100% Kiwi-owned and operated. Every single business you see on our marketplace is located right here in beautiful New Zealand.

When you shop with us, you are buying directly from local makers, creators, and service providers. This means your order is being packed and sent with care from a New Zealand address, supporting our local economy and families.

Can I send items to friends or family overseas?

Yes! While we are local at heart, our vendors have the world at their fingertips. Many of our vendors have their stores set up to ship globally. Whether a vendor ships to a specific country depends on their individual store settings.

• Check the Checkout: When you add an item to your cart, the available shipping destinations will be shown based on that vendor’s specific rules.

• Can’t see your country? If you’ve fallen in love with a product but your country isn’t listed in the shipping options, don’t worry! You can reach out to the vendor directly. Simply use the ‘Contact Vendor’ button on the product listing or via their store profile.

• Custom Solutions: Our vendors are real people and are often more than happy to give you a custom shipping quote to get their products to you, wherever you are in the world.

In short: We are proudly based in Aotearoa, but we love helping Kiwi brilliance reach every corner of the globe.

Yes, your safety is our priority. We have designed The Hive NZ to be a secure environment for both shoppers and sellers:

• Secure Payments: We use Stripe, a world-leading payment processor, so your credit card details are encrypted and never stored by us.

• Verified Vendors: We work closely with our community of vendors to ensure a high standard of service and authenticity.

• NZ Law Protection: Because we only host New Zealand-based businesses, you are always protected by the Consumer Guarantees Act and the Fair Trading Act.

• Direct Communication: Our secure internal messaging system allows you to speak with vendors without sharing your private email address until you are ready.

At The Hive NZ, you have a direct line to the experts. Because every product on our marketplace is listed by an independent Kiwi business owner, you don’t have to settle for generic answers from a middleman. You can talk directly to the person who knows the product best—the creator themselves!

Getting in touch is easy:

• Use the ‘Contact Vendor’ Button: On every product listing page, you’ll find a “Contact Vendor” button. Simply click this to send a message directly to that business owner.

   

• Ask Anything: Whether you need more details on sizing, want to know about custom colours, or need to check if a service can be tailored to your needs, our vendors are happy to help.

• Personalized Service: Our vendors pride themselves on their craft and their community. By reaching out, you’re often starting a conversation with a passionate entrepreneur who is more than happy to go the extra mile for you.

Shopping small means getting a personal touch. If you have a question, just ask—the person behind the brand is ready to help!

While you are welcome to shop as a guest, creating a free Hive NZ customer account makes your shopping experience much smoother!

• How to Sign Up: Click on the ‘Register’ or ‘Sign In’ icon at the top of the page. You only need an email address to get started.

• The Benefits:

  • Order History: Easily track your past and current purchases in one place.

  • Direct Messaging: Chat directly with vendors through your dashboard.

  • Custom Orders: Receive and purchase private, bespoke listings created just for you.

  • Verified Reviews: Share your feedback on products to help other shoppers and support local makers.

  • Faster Checkout: Save your details for a quicker experience next time you find something you love.

Shopping with The Hive NZ is simple, secure, and supports local creators directly.

When you find that perfect item, you can pay for your order using any major debit or credit card. To ensure your financial information is protected to the highest standard, we use Stripe—a world-leading payment gateway recognised globally for its ironclad security.

• Direct Support: Your payment goes directly to our vendors. This means the small business owner has instant access to your order and funds, allowing them to get started on your delivery or service right away.

• Bank-Level Security: We never see or store your credit card details. Stripe handles the transaction with advanced encryption, so you can shop with total peace of mind.

• Empowering Small Business: We offer flexible plans for our vendors, including a free option where they only pay a small success fee when they make a sale. This ensures that even the smallest Kiwi start-up can afford to reach a wider audience without high overheads.

When you click ‘Pay’ on The Hive NZ, you aren’t just buying a product; you are putting money directly into the hands of a hard-working New Zealander.

Everyone loves a bargain! On The Hive NZ, there are two ways you can save while supporting local:

1. Automatic Store Discounts (Spend & Save)

Many of our vendors offer “Spend & Save” incentives. For example, a shop might offer 10% off when you spend over $50 in their store.

• Automatic Savings: You don’t need to do a thing! These discounts apply automatically once your cart reaches the required amount.

• Helpful Reminders: When you view your cart, our system will intelligently tell you exactly how much more you need to spend with that specific vendor to unlock their discount. It’s a great way to see if adding one more small item to your order could actually save you money!

2. Using a Coupon Code

If you have a specific discount code from a vendor’s social media or a Hive-wide promotion:

1. View Your Cart: Before you proceed to payment, head to your cart summary.

2. Apply Code: Locate the “Coupon Code” box, enter your code exactly as it appears, and click Apply.

3. Check the Total: Ensure the discount is reflected in your total before completing the checkout.

Please Note: Most discounts and coupons are set by individual vendors and apply only to items from their specific shop. If a code isn’t working, check the expiry date or message the vendor directly via the ‘Contact Vendor’ button.

Yes, absolutely! You can fill your cart with treasures from many different vendors across New Zealand and pay for them all in one single, secure checkout.

Because The Hive NZ is a marketplace of independent businesses rather than a single warehouse, please keep these points in mind:

• Separate Shipments: Each vendor packs and posts their own items. If you buy from two different creators, your items will arrive in separate parcels, often at different times.

• Split Shipping in Your Cart: When you view your cart or checkout, you will see the shipping costs split up. Each shipping line is clearly labelled with the name of the vendor it belongs to.

• Total Shipping Costs: Your total shipping is the sum of each vendor’s individual fee. This is because your items are being sent from different locations across the country.

Why does shipping look higher in my cart? If the total seems higher than expected, it is usually because you are supporting multiple small businesses at once. Think of it like visiting several boutique shops in one trip. Each shop has its own way of getting their unique products to your door!

Because The Hive NZ is a marketplace of independent businesses, each vendor handles their own shipping and fulfilment. When you place an order, the details go directly to the business owner, who is responsible for getting your items to you within the timeframe listed on their shop.

If you are wondering about the status of your parcel, here is the best way to get an answer:

• If you have a Hive Account: Log in to your Customer Dashboard and head to the Orders tab. From there, you can view your order status and message the vendor directly regarding that specific purchase.

• If you checked out as a Guest: You can still contact the vendor easily! Simply go to the product page of the item you bought or the vendor’s main store page and use the ‘Contact Vendor’ button.

• Check your Inbox: Most vendors will send a confirmation email or tracking number once your item is on its way. Be sure to check your junk or spam folder just in case!

A Note on Our Role: When you buy on our website, the agreement is directly between you and the vendor. As a marketplace, The Hive NZ provides the platform and tools for these transactions but does not handle the physical stock or shipping ourselves.

However, we are committed to a safe community. If you have already tried to resolve an issue with a vendor and believe they are not meeting their obligations under New Zealand law, please let us know. While we cannot guarantee a specific outcome, we will do our best to help facilitate a resolution.

Because our vendors handle their own logistics, your tracking information will come directly from the business you purchased from.

Here is how you can find your tracking details once your order has been dispatched:

• Check Your Shipping Choice: Please note that tracking is only available if you selected a tracked shipping option at checkout. If you chose an untracked economy service, a tracking number will not be generated.

• Notification Email: Once the vendor has sent your parcel, they will update your order in our system. You will usually receive an automated email containing the tracking number and the courier service used.

• If you have a Hive Account: Log in to your Customer Dashboard and head to the Orders tab. If the vendor has added a tracking number, it will be listed right there next to your order details.

• If you checked out as a Guest: You can contact the vendor directly to ask for an update. Simply go to the product listing you purchased or the vendor’s store page and use the ‘Contact Vendor’ button.

Need more information? If your order is taking longer than expected or the tracking hasn’t been updated, the best person to speak with is the vendor. They are the ones who personally packaged your item and handed it to the courier, so they will have the most up-to-date information for you.

You can view our full Vendor List here to find the shop you ordered from.

At The Hive NZ, shipping is as unique as the products themselves. Because we are a collective of independent Kiwi creators, there isn’t one single “Hive courier.” Instead, each individual vendor chooses and manages the shipping methods that best suit their products.

• Tailored Options: When you add items to your cart, you will see the specific shipping options made available by each vendor. Some may offer standard post, while others provide tracked couriers, express delivery, or even free local pickup.

• Full Transparency: You can see a detailed breakdown of shipping costs and methods when you click ‘View Cart’ and again during the final checkout process.

“No shipping available for this location” – What does this mean?

If you see this message at checkout, it usually means the vendor hasn’t set up a specific shipping rule for your region yet, or they may not currently ship to your location (particularly for international or very rural addresses).

Don’t give up on that item just yet! Our vendors are real people and are often happy to accommodate special requests. If you run into a shipping roadblock:

• Message the Vendor: Use the ‘Contact Vendor’ button on the product page or their store profile.

• Ask for a Quote: You can request a custom shipping price for your specific location. Our vendors love helping their products find a new home and will often find a way to get it to you if they can.

Yes, absolutely! One of the best things about shopping at The Hive NZ is the ability to work directly with our talented creators to get exactly what you need.

Whether you want a product in a different colour, a specific size, or a completely bespoke creation made from scratch, many of our vendors love taking on custom requests.

How it works:

1. Start a Conversation: Use the ‘Contact Vendor’ button on any product listing or store page to discuss your ideas.

2. Get a Quote: The vendor will let you know if they can fulfil your request and provide you with a price and a timeframe.

3. Your Private Listing: Once you have registered a customer account, the vendor can create a private custom order specifically for you.

4. Easy Purchase: This listing is only visible to you. You can purchase it just like a regular product, with all the correct shipping and custom details already applied to the checkout.

Why register for a custom order? By creating a free customer account, you make it easy for vendors to link a private order directly to your profile. It ensures your special request is handled securely and that you have a record of the conversation and the order details in your dashboard.

From personalised gifts to tailored services, if you can dream it, our vendors can likely create it!

We love sharing Kiwi brilliance with the world! We absolutely welcome orders from across the globe.

Because The Hive NZ is a collective of independent businesses, each vendor has the choice to decide which regions or countries they ship to. Some are set up for worldwide delivery, while others may currently only ship within New Zealand.

How to order from overseas:

• Check the Checkout: When you add an item to your cart, the shipping options will show you if that vendor already has your country set up.

• Request a Custom Quote: If your country isn’t listed, don’t worry! You can contact any vendor directly using the ‘Contact Vendor’ button on their product page or store profile. Many are more than happy to provide a custom shipping quote just for you.

If you need to cancel an order, please contact the vendor as soon as possible. Because our vendors are small businesses, many begin preparing or packaging your order almost immediately.

• Requesting a Cancellation: Use the ‘Contact Vendor’ button on their store page or via your Customer Dashboard > Orders tab.

• Vendor Policies: Each vendor may have a different cut-off time for cancellations, especially for custom-made or perishable items.

• Refunds: If the vendor agrees to the cancellation, they will process your refund through our secure system. Please note that once an item has been dispatched, it can no longer be cancelled and would fall under the vendor’s standard return policy.

We are so sorry to hear that your order hasn’t arrived in perfect condition.

Because The Hive NZ is a marketplace of independent Kiwi businesses, you have purchased your item directly from the maker or seller. They are responsible for the quality of their goods and the safe arrival of your order.

Here is the best way to resolve the issue quickly:

• Step 1: Contact the Vendor Immediately. Your first point of contact is the business owner you ordered from.

  • If you have an account: Log in to your Customer Dashboard > Orders tab and message the vendor directly from that specific order.

  • If you checked out as a guest: Go to the vendor’s store page or the original product listing and use the ‘Contact Vendor’ button.

• Step 2: Provide Evidence. To help the vendor resolve this with their courier or insurance, it is very helpful to take photos of the damaged item and the packaging it arrived in. Attach these to your message so they can see exactly what has happened.

• Step 3: Know Your Rights. All vendors on The Hive NZ are bound by the New Zealand Consumer Guarantees Act. If a product arrives faulty or damaged, you are entitled to a remedy—this could be a repair, a replacement, or a refund, depending on the situation.

Our Community Standard: Our vendors take great pride in their work and their reputation. In almost every case, they will work quickly to make things right. If you have tried to resolve the issue with the vendor and are not getting a response, please reach out to the The Hive NZ team, and we will do our best to facilitate a conversation.

Because The Hive NZ is home to many different independent creators, each shop manages its own return and refund policy. This allows our vendors to set rules that make sense for their specific products—for example, a custom-made piece of jewellery may have different rules than a ready-to-ship item.

• Check the Policy: Before you buy, you can view the vendor’s specific return policy on their store page.

• Contact the Vendor: If you need to return an item, the first step is to message the vendor directly. You can do this via your Customer Dashboard > Orders tab (if you have an account) or the ‘Contact Vendor’ button on their shop page.

• Your Rights: Regardless of individual store policies, all vendors on The Hive NZ are required to follow the New Zealand Consumer Guarantees Act. This means if an item is faulty or not as described, you are entitled to a remedy.

Pro Tip: Clear communication is key! Our vendors are small business owners who value their reputation, so they will usually work hard to ensure you are happy with your experience.

Our vendors do a “happy dance” every time they receive a positive review! Feedback is the lifeblood of our community—it helps other shoppers buy with confidence and gives our hardworking creators the recognition they deserve.

• For Account Holders: To leave a verified review on our website, log in to your Customer Dashboard and go to the Orders tab. You will see an option to leave a star rating and a comment for the items you have purchased.

• For Guest Checkouts: If you placed your order as a guest, you won’t be able to leave a review directly on the marketplace site. However, we would still love to hear about your experience! You can leave a public review on The Hive NZ’s Trustpilot page. This helps us grow the collective and shows the world how great our Kiwi vendors are.

• Share the Love: Whether it’s the beautiful packaging or the quality of the craft, your words make a huge difference to a small business.

Didn’t have a 5-star experience? We always suggest messaging the vendor through the “Contact Vendor” button first. Most Kiwi business owners appreciate the chance to fix a mistake or address a concern before a public review is posted.

While product reviews go directly to our vendors, we also love hearing what you think of The Hive NZ as a platform! Your feedback helps us improve the experience for both shoppers and small businesses.

• Trustpilot: You can leave a public review of your experience with our marketplace on our Trustpilot page.

• Contact Us: If you have a suggestion for a new feature or want to share a positive experience you had with our team, please use our main Contact Form. We are a Kiwi-owned business, and we truly value every piece of feedback from our community.