Cooperative Business New Zealand is the industry body that unites and represents New Zealand’s diverse range of member-owned businesses.
We independently represent co-operatives, mutual and societies sitting across multiple sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, insurance, banking, financial services, utilities, education, health, wholesale and retail.
As the peak body, our aim is to increase awareness of the important contribution these organisations make to New Zealand’s economy and society. New Zealand is one of the most co-operative economies in the world with co-operatives generating around 16% of GDP and employing more than 50,000 New Zealanders.
By sharing information and bringing together members, Cooperative Business New Zealand provides a platform for members to collaborate, have a stronger collective voice and to educate the broader community on the value of the business model.
Seven internationally agreed principles (Rochdale Principles) guide co-operatives, mutuals and societies. These emphasise democracy and shared equity, while providing economic and social returns to members and their communities:
- Voluntary and open membership
- Democratic control
- Member economic participation
- Autonomy and independence
- Education, training and information
- Cooperation among co-operatives
- Concern for community.
Read our Value Proposition here.
As a member of the International Co-operative Alliance, we have access to a large pool of co-operative practitioners, specialists and researchers from the Asia-Pacific region and around the world.