About CBNZ
Cooperative Business NZ proudly represents the interests of this country’s co-ops and mutuals.
Why Join
- Advice and Guidance
- Collaboration
- Education.
Types of co-ops
There are six types of co-operatives and they serve different needs.
Starting a Co-op
We’re here to help you every step of the way in starting a co-op and enjoying the many benefits of this successful business model.
Top 30 Co-ops
What if?
Thanks to the many Kiwi co-ops which provided images for this video. Customised versions are freely available to members upon request.
Celebrating
Co-operatives
Click on the image above to download a pictorial overview of the NZ co-op sector
Key videos
The co-operative difference is a great story and one we’re delighted to share.
Here, we’ve assembled a “Best of” collection of short videos from across the co-operative world for your information.
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
Film trailer, co-ops thriving in Ontario, Canada in what has been a silent transformation
Co-ops, take ownership (USA, Jane):
What is a co-op (UK):
ICA 2016 summit, who we are:
Michael Sheen (UK):
Seven principles (USA, electricity):
A new economy trailer:
News
Cooperative Business NZ Supports Pacific Island Aid and Sustainable Development
In this article, Co-operative Business NZ CEO Craig Presland challenges the anti-Pacific rhetoric of media commentator Heather Du Plessis-Allan, sets the record straight on the Pacific’s importance to New Zealand and explains how the co-operative business model can aid the sustainable development of the region.
Cooperative Business NZ goes in to bat for Fonterra
Cooperative Business NZ is speaking up for Fonterra and the co-operative business model, with CEO Craig Presland going in to bat for our largest co-op through the media and beyond.
We support Business Advisory Council
Cooperative Business NZ fully supports last week’s announcement by PM Jacinda Ardern to set up a Business Advisory Council. While this will no doubt help bridge the gap between our government and the business sector, there are several issues and opportunities that this Council can focus strongly on including: reversing the decline in business confidence, driving true sustainability across our business sector (economically, environmentally and socially), reducing skills shortages and improving productivity.
Mitre 10 Chairman’s pre-dinner address
Martin Dippie, Chairman of one of NZ’s 10 largest cooperatives, was our guest speaker prior to the Annual Awards Dinner held in Christchurch on 14th August and provided an absorbing and lively presentation on the successful evolution and growth of his cooperative in NZ since 1974. Martin started his first business aged 14 when he and his brother harvested Ponga logs from the Catlin’s forests on Otago. He brought his first North Dunedin student investment house in 1984, aged 17, and steadily built up a portfolio of over 30 student properties over the next few years. In 1987 Martin and his brother purchased a family garden retail business known as Nichols. They grew this business substantially by opening 7 days a week and adding a landscaping division.
Co-operative champions recognised
The 2018 Co-operative Business NZ Annual Awards winners are, back row, from left: Silver Fern Farms (joint winner – Co-operation Amongst Co-operatives award, represented by Shareholder Relations Manager, Clark Taylor; Farmlands (joint winner – Co-operation Amongst Co-operatives award, represented by Director Strategy and Communications, Farmlands, Colm Hamrogue); Murray King (Co-operative Leader of the Year), Chairman Livestock Improvement Corporation. Front row, from left: Kim DeGarnham (Outstanding Co-operative Contribution award winner, former GM Employee and Support Services/Company Secretary, Foodstuffs South Island) and Westland Milk Products (Co-operative Business of the Year, represented by CEO Toni Brendish).
Westland wins Co-operative Business of the Year
Westland Milk Products’ CEO, Toni Brendish, pictured, co-collected the 2018 Co-operative Business of the Year award on behalf of the Hokitika-based, farmer-owned dairy co-operative. Westland won recognition for successfully re-inventing itself using the enduring co-operative model as a strength, while promoting to its customers the productive relationship it has with its 350 shareholding farmers.
King crowned Co-operative Leader of the Year
Chairman of Livestock Improvement Corporation (LIC), Nelson’s Murray King, pictured, received the Co-operative Leader of the Year award. He was recognised for his exceptional leadership while steering the agri-tech co-operative through a sustained period of disruption and uncertainty.
Joint award celebrates co-operation
Shareholder Relations Manager, Clark Taylor (Silver Fern Farms) and Director Strategy and Communications, Colm Hamrogue (Farmlands) collected the joint Co-operation Amongst Co-operatives award in recognition of the co-ops’ joint governance training initiative, To the Core. This award takes its name from one of the co-operative movement’s founding seven Rochdale Principles.
Co-operative pioneer made outstanding contribution
Kim DeGarnham, pictured, received the Outstanding Co-operative Contribution award in recognition of her significant contributions stretching over 30 years. In 1996 Kim became the first appointed female manager at Foodstuffs South Island and then, in 2009, when she was appointed to the Corporate Executive team, she also broke new ground as its first female executive. She has mentored, supported and encouraged female co-op members and staff throughout her career.
New Board elected
The new Cooperative Business New Zealand Board is, from left: Neil Cowie, Fiona Hancox, Andy Grant, Lisa Murray, Christine Burr and Jonathan Lee (Chair). Two new faces have joined the board for a three-year term from (August 14th’s) 2018 AGM: Mitre 10’s CEO Neil Cowie and Andy Grant, Director at Ashburton Lyndhurst Irrigation Ltd (ALIL).
Welcome Video
For more information about Cooperative Business New Zealand, please contact Chief Executive Craig Presland, pictured above left with Chair Jonathan Lee.
Events
New Member Profiles
Market Gardeners Ltd
Grower-owned co-operative, Market Gardeners Ltd trading as MG Marketing was established in 1923 by a small band of resolute growers to leverage greater value for their produce. It was from these humble beginnings that the foundations were laid for a successful co-operative that values the benefits of shared knowledge and collective capability. Today, MG represents more than 400 grower shareholders and is a leading supplier of fresh produce.
Walnuts NZ, the co-operative way forward
The establishment of a grower co-operative in 2015 helped to save the New Zealand walnut industry. With a shared commitment to growing, processing & marketing only high-quality nuts, the co-op now has a growing membership.
New Zealand’s FIRST affiliated credit union
First Credit Union became New Zealand’s first affiliated credit union when it began in 1955.
One million trees, $1Billion for the Māori economy
Mataatua Whenua Cooperative is an Opotiki-based enterprise founded on Maori protocols (tikanga) and co-operative principles. It plans to use the oil from macadamia & manuka to produce a range of eco-friendly skin care & therapeutic products.
Combined Building Supplies Cooperative (CBS Co-op)
Combined Building Supplies Cooperative (CBS Co-op) is New Zealand’s first building supplies co-operative that is owned by a group of builders, business and finance leaders from the building industry.
For access to previous co-operative member profiles, go to PROFILES or use our Search facility
Corporate Associate Member Profiles
Lifeline – needed more than ever
Lifeline Aotearoa has been helping New Zealanders in crisis for over 50 years – and its services are needed more than ever today. Free community helplines (Lifeline 24/7, Suicide Crisis Helpline, Kidsline) as well as text support service HELP (4357) are answered by qualified counsellors and trained volunteers from call centres in Auckland and Christchurch.
Silvereye: Engaging with decision-makers
Silvereye is a Wellington-based full service public relations and marketing communications consultancy. They help clients connect to, engage with and influence the people that matter to their business.
For access to previous co-operative member profiles, go to PROFILES or use our Search facility
Our Full Members
