Types of cooperatives
There are four types of cooperative
Purchasing and shared services cooperatives
...are owned and governed by independent business owners that come together to enhance their purchasing power, lowering their costs and improving their competitiveness and ability to provide quality services and products. They operate in all sectors of New Zealand’s economy and include some of the largest businesses in the country.
Producer cooperatives
...are owned by people who produce similar types of products – farmers who grow crops, raise cattle or milk cows, or by craft workers and artisans. By banding together, cooperating producers leverage greater bargaining power with buyers. They also combine resources to more effectively market and brand their products.
Consumer cooperatives
...are owned by the people who buy the goods or use the services of the cooperative. Consumer co-ops may sell consumer goods such as food, or provide housing, or electricity. Other co-ops such as credit unions offer financial services, and community creches provide childcare services. Almost any consumer need can be met by a cooperative.
Worker cooperatives
...are owned and governed by the employees of the business. They operate in all sectors of the economy providing workers with both employment and ownership opportunities. Examples are to be found among organic shops, taxi companies and overseas in light and heavy industry.
