Gearshop wins Most Trusted Business Award

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January/February 2026

Samantha studied law but is now a journalist. She collates Walk Shorts and freelances for Wilderness and other publications.

By Samantha Mythen

Outdoor equipment retailer Gearshop won four categories at the 2025 Most Trusted Business Awards.

Gearshop took out awards for Most Trusted In-Person Store in Nelson, Top 20 Most Trusted In-Person Shop in New Zealand, Most Trusted Online Outdoor/Sports Shop (industry award winner in this category) and Most Trusted Outdoor and Sporting Goods Company in New Zealand (NZ nationwide brand winner in this category).

“Being considered a trustworthy business by our customers means everything to us,” Gearshop owner Hamish Pirie said.

“This is especially significant in the online retail environment where there are many unscrupulous operators. We’re always really mindful of ensuring that all our customers have a great retail experience with us and can feel secure when they are buying from us,” Pirie said.

Now in their tenth year, the awards are based on customers’ online reviews of businesses involved. More than 10,000 reviews were received for over 2500 participating New Zealand businesses in 175 categories.

About the author

Samantha Mythen

Walk Shorts writer Samantha Mythen is currently adventuring around the world, writing, hiking and cycling. She studied law but is now a journalist. She has worked for RNZ and freelanced for global publications, including Japan Today.