Malcolm
Rands

Malcolm Rands is a visionary entrepreneur, sustainability advocate, and philanthropist whose groundbreaking work has transformed the way New Zealanders approach eco-friendly living. In 1993, Malcolm and his wife Melanie co-founded ecostore, driven by a dream to create a values-based business that could fund a not-for-profit arm, the Fairground Foundation. Their mission was simple but revolutionary: to offer healthier, eco-friendly alternatives to conventional household and personal care products while prioritising the wellbeing of people and the planet.

Before launching ecostore, Malcolm’s journey was rich with diverse experiences. After working as a radiographer in Australia, the USA, and the UK, he returned to New Zealand and immersed himself in the not-for-profit sector, focusing on community arts. However, he grew frustrated by the constant need to secure funding, which distracted from the work itself. This inspired Malcolm to explore a new model where a successful business could provide ongoing financial support for charitable initiatives. His passion for green activism and community building led him to establish an ecovillage in Northland, further laying the groundwork for his vision of combining commerce and social impact.

ecostore began as a mail-order business offering eco-friendly solutions for cleaning, body care, and organic gardening. Over the years, it evolved into New Zealand's leading manufacturer and retailer of plant-based, chemical-free products. The company’s innovative approach won widespread acclaim and proved that sustainable products could compete with—and even surpass—mainstream alternatives in performance and popularity. Staying true to its founding ethos, ecostore channelled a portion of its profits into the Fairground Foundation, funding initiatives focused on sustainability and social good.

In 2016, Malcolm and Melanie sold their shares in ecostore to dedicate themselves fully to the Fairground Foundation. Their innovative business model, which seamlessly integrates commerce and philanthropy, has continued to inspire others around the world. Malcolm’s commitment to sustainability and community has earned him numerous accolades, including the Green Ribbon Award from the Ministry for the Environment and recognition as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2015 for his services to business, conservation, and philanthropy. ecostore itself has also been celebrated, winning major awards such as the Mega Efficiency Innovation and Sustainability Champion titles at the NZI National Sustainable Business Network Awards.

In 2013, Malcolm chronicled his journey in his autobiography, Ecoman, which details how ecostore defied the odds to compete with global multinationals while remaining true to its values. For two years, he brought his expertise to television audiences on TVNZ as "Ecoman," sharing practical advice on sustainable living. A passionate organic gardener and a regular contributor on Newstalk ZB’s Saturday Morning with Jack Tame, Malcolm continues to inspire with his vision for a healthier, greener future.