About Kowtow
What is Kowtow?
Kowtow is a New Zealand sustainable-fashion brand built around circular design, ethical manufacturing and sustainable fibres. It was founded in 2006 by Gosia Piątek, whose family came to Wellington as political-asylum refugees from Poland; watching her parents chase their dreams inspired her to create a brand aligned with her values, with a transparent and ethical journey "from seed to garment". From the start the brand has used certified Fairtrade organic cotton, chosen ethical production partners and worked toward a circular design process. Kowtow has proven that fashion can be 100% plastic-free: since 2006 it has worked to remove all plastic from its clothing, and today all of its garments are plastic-free, using organic-cotton alternatives in place of zips, synthetic elastic, interlinings and threads. In 2022 it completed its first sustainability strategy, structured around three pillars — People, Planet and Prosperity — benchmarked against the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Where will I work?
Kowtow is based in Wellington, New Zealand, and runs retail stores in Wellington and Newmarket (Auckland), with click-and-collect available on selected items.
What is the Kowtow team like?
Kowtow aims to provide a positive work environment where people can achieve their full potential, and is committed to being diverse, inclusive and accessible. The whole team shares an interest in sustainability and innovation, with everyone contributing toward shared goals. Design is led by Head Designer Dayne Johnston, who notes that working with a mono-material base and avoiding zips or plastic elements pushes the team's creativity even further. The brand openly publishes its policies on environmental responsibility, ethical business conduct and human rights.
Work-Life Balance
Kowtow says the wellbeing of its people is important to it, and that it has always encouraged its team to maintain a healthy balance between life and work. In its own words: "In February 2023 we implemented a 9-day working fortnight to give our employees more time for hobbies, health, wellbeing and family." The brand is also a living-wage accredited employer and offers flexibility of work location.
Perks and Benefits
Alongside the nine-day fortnight, Kowtow offers flexibility of work location, a free Employee Assistance Programme, and organised volunteer opportunities and charity partnerships for its team — all underpinned by its living-wage accreditation.