Starting a co-op
Resources you may find useful if you are considering starting a co-op
Cooperative Principles
Cooperatives the world over have these seven principles as the basis of their business.
International Cooperative Alliance – Seven Principles
Information of cooperative organisations from the Ministry of Economic Development
A useful pamphlet issued by the Ministry of Economic Development on the different kinds of cooperative entities, available for download as a PDF.
Cooperative Organisations: Establishing a Cooperative Company or Industrial and Provident Society
The Ministry of Economic Development’s Companies Office web pages on the different kinds of cooperative organisations:
Companies Office info on cooperative companies
Companies Office info on industrial and provident societies
Reinventing Co-operation, the challenge of the 21st century
A must read for all cooperative directors and senior executives – and for anyone hoping to set up and run a successful cooperative business.
This 300-page book dispels the myths and misunderstandings that surround the cooperative business model and sets out – in straightforward language – the essentials of understanding and organising a cooperative.
Published in the UK by the Plunkett Foundation, New Zealand residents can buy a copy for $80 including post and GST from the Association office. Overseas, please write for the cost.
To get your copy phone 04 384 4595 or send an email.
Useful documents
Until recently an industrial and provident society, Ashburton Lyndhurst Irrigation reconstituted themselves as a cooperative company. The co-op’s constitution, certificate of inforporation, investment statement and prospectus can be found online here. These will be useful to those who are considering starting a cooperative.
Thinking of starting a consumer and producer-run food co-op?
This excellent manual has been put out by the US Cooperative Grocers Information Network. Worth reading also if you are considering starting another kind of cooperative.
From Britain, a website which offers a simple guide to setting up food co-ops
And from Canada here’s an excellent guide to local food co-ops you can download as a PDF.
Working Together For Local Food
Local Roots is a food co-op in Wooster, Ohio. The web page where members can sign up to join is usually clear and may well be of use. Find it here.
How to start a cooperative
Written with the North American situation in mind, this online guide from the USDA has limited use in the New Zealand context but is worth reading.
How to Start a Cooperative
For advice, assistance and more useful documents, phone 04 384 4595 or send an email. Info on Association provisional membership for individuals and groups wanting to start a cooperative can be found on the Membership page.
