Shop Small is back for its sixth year in New Zealand and to celebrate, American Express has teamed up with cult-favourite gelato palour Little ‘Lato for the ultimate sweet treat giveaway.
On Saturday 18 October from 11am, Little ‘Lato will launch the first taste of its recently crowned, award-winning Pink Wafer gelato flavour at its Ponsonby and Hamilton stores. Renamed the Little ‘Lato Shop Small Pink Wafer Gelato in honour of Shop Small, American Express will treat customers who arrive from 11am with a free scoopi – 200 free scoops at the Ponsonby store and 300 free scoops at the Hamilton store.
The winner of the Open Creative Champion category at the 2025 NZ Ice Cream and Gelato Awards, Little ‘Lato’s taste sensation offers that nostalgic pink wafer flavour and crunch that many Kiwis know and love. Like several of their flavours, Hannah Burke, the owner of Little ‘Lato, was inspired to create this new receipe following a simple browse through her local supermarket, where the classic pink wafer caught her eye.
Shop Small, which launched in 2020 in New Zealand, is a much-loved global movement that celebrates the importance of local small businesses and encourages shoppers to spend with them. It runs nationwide in New Zealand from 1 October to 9 November. During Shop Small, American Express Card Members who enrol in the Shop Small offer and shop at participating small businesses get $5 back for every $10 or more spent, up to 5 timesii.
Rob Bourne, Country Manager of American Express New Zealand, said “Little ‘Lato, like all small businesses, bring character and connection to our local neighbourhoods and we’re delighted to team-up with them on this exciting collaboration. Shop Small celebrates the passion and entrepreneurial spirit of the small business community. Running a small business while incredibly rewarding isn’t always easy so we’re calling on shoppers to show their support and shop small as often as they can.”
Little ‘Lato owner, Hannah Burke said, “We’re absolutely buzzing to finally scoop Pink Wafer for everyone – it’s been sitting in the wings since taking out the award and now thanks to American Express it’s getting its big moment. For us, Shop Small is all about celebrating flavour, fun and community – and this collab is the cherry (or wafer) on top.”
New Zealanders can discover participating Shop Small businesses by visiting the American Express Shop Small Map and can show their support on social media by using #ShopSmall. Small business owners interested in participating can find more information and resources on the American Express Shop Small www.americanexpress.com/nz/shop-small/
#ponsonbynews #iloveponsonby #loveponsonby #auckland #aucklandshippestrip #onlyponsonby #ponsonbyroad #Greylynn #freemansbay #westmere #ponsonby #hernebay #stmarysbay #archhill #coxsbay @followers #followers @everyone #everyone #waitematalocalboard @highlight
