Waiheke’s The Island Grocer serves as a community hub where good food meets good company – a beloved spot that blends sustainability, local produce, and heartfelt connection!
“We’re third-generation islanders, and Waiheke’s been good to us, so this felt like a meaningful way to give something back – and keep busy while our two young daughters were still young enough to hang around with us,” owner Simon Cairns tells Verve.
“That was almost ten years ago now,” adds his wife, Nicky. “The girls have – wisely – moved on, but the shop’s still here – a little more worn, a lot more loved, and still run with the same spirit.”
How do you choose which local producers and artisans to partner with?
Our customers are super diverse, so we cover a lot of bases – ethical and organic shoppers, adventurous home cooks, and local chefs looking for hard to find ingredients. We’re all about curating quality – not just products that taste or look good, but ones made with intent and care.
What role do you see The Island Grocer playing beyond just selling food?
Our whole story starts and ends on Waiheke. We’ve grown up here, raised kids here, and built friendships that go way beyond the shop counter. The Grocer isn’t polished or perfect – it’s lived-in, honest, and a bit chaotic at times, just like the island itself! For some of our regulars, this place is part of their daily routine – a chat, a laugh, a bit of community connection. That matters as much as the food.
What do you most love about being on the island?
The people. The eccentricity. The way everyone has a story. We get to see the best of it – locals, growers, travellers. There’s a real pride in feeding people here; most are conscious about what they eat and where it comes from. And we get to share a slice of the island’s character with every customer who walks through the door.
Our whole story starts and ends on Waiheke. We’ve grown up here, raised kids here, and built friendships that go way beyond the shop counter.
Being on an island must add to the challenge around sustainability?
It’s definitely a challenge, but we’ve found ways to make it work. The kitchen and cafe were introduced partly to repurpose second-tier produce and products nearing expiry. It’s been a great way to eliminate waste and create something people actually love.
Any leftover food waste goes to Kai Conscious or local composters. And in our produce section we do our best to minimise anything packaged in plastic. Our general store offering focuses on organic, ethical, and sustainably made products. Food miles are trickier – most goods come via ferry – but we consolidate orders where possible and support local producers to cut down on unnecessary transport.
Can you share some of the most satisfying moments of your journey so far?
Honestly, it’s the daily stuff – the staff banter, the regulars, the unexpected conversations. Launching new products, watching people discover something new, or just seeing the café humming along on a sunny morning. It’s not glamorous, but it’s real, and that’s what keeps us coming back.
Any exciting upcoming projects that you’d like to share?
We’ve just rolled out a daily salad bar, and acai bowls and smoothies are back for summer. We’ll be introducing some ‘own brand’ products, too. Beyond that, we’re just looking forward to a brilliant summer!
110 Ocean View Road, Oneroa
theislandgrocer.co.nz
