Explore our memberships

“Our purpose as the peak body for member-owned businesses is to help and support Kiwi co-ops and mutuals so they thrive for the next 100 years. And we do that by working together with our members for the benefit of everyone.

Saya WAhrlich, CEO, Cooperative Business NZ

Support for all members

By being part of Cooperative Business NZ, members contribute to a greater collective impact, fostering a stronger cooperative movement in New Zealand. Together, cooperatives and mutuals build a more sustainable, inclusive economy that prioritises people and communities over profits.

This collective strength helps drive policies that benefit cooperatives and creates a resilient business ecosystem.

  • Advocacy and representation

    CBNZ acts as a collective voice advocating for NZ’s cooperative businesses at both national and international levels. By joining, members have their interests represented in policy discussions and regulatory frameworks.

    CBNZ ensures that cooperative values and needs are well-represented, helping shape a business environment that fosters the growth and sustainability of cooperatives.

    We work with local and internationally aligned bodies to keep abreast of shared advocacy and lobbying initiatives.

    Learn about our advocacy

  • Networking and collaboration

    CBNZ fosters a strong network of cooperatives across various industries and sectors, providing opportunities for members to collaborate, share knowledge, and develop partnerships.

    Through sector and leader forums, our Public Affairs Forum and other events, members are connected with like-minded organisations, enabling them to learn best practices, drive innovation, and explore new business opportunities.

    We celebrate co-op business success too, at our Annual Awards.

    Check out our events

  • Guidance on forming a co-op

    Considering establishing a new cooperative and need to understand what rules and regulations are applicable, what you need to do and how to get started?

    We’ve got the latest up-to-date guidance to make this easy for you.

    See support for start-ups

  • Member discounts

    Our members have access to exclusive discounts and other offers including share registry and member communication software Orchestra; HR and health and safety services and executive and team recruitment, member rates at events, member discounts on Co-op Academy online courses and more.

    See member benefits and discounts

  • Global and local connections

    Membership offers access to a wealth of connections and resources, including legal, financial, and governance expertise tailored specifically to cooperatives.

    CBNZ helps members navigate the unique challenges of running a cooperative business, providing tools and insights that enhance operational efficiency, governance, and overall performance. Plus, members have exclusive access to our Co-op Connect service.

    Learn about Co-op Connect

  • Training and education

    CBNZ prioritises capability building for cooperative members, and their own members, through access to training programmes, webinars, workshops, and educational opportunities.

    See our training and education 
[ cooperatives build a better world ]

Memberships

Our constitution defines our membership tiers and eligibility.

Read our Constitution
Become a member

Full Membership

For member-owned organisations operating under cooperative principles.

Corporate Associate Membership

For organisations identified as offering specialist services of value to our members.

Honorary Membership

Conferred upon individuals who have made a significant contribution to the sector, and past Chairs of Cooperative Business NZ.

Provisional Membership

For individuals or groups looking to establish a cooperative or convert a company.

Individual Membership

For advocates of the co-op model who want to be involved independently.

Cooperatives live almost 5x longer than companies

Join the community that lasts.

Keen to be part of the member-owned movement?

We’d love you to join us. Let’s work together and help co-ops and mutuals thrive for the next 100 years.

 

Full Member enquiry form

Full Membership

Our constitution defines our membership tiers. Full Members operate under the cooperative principles, which means applications need to be approved before you can begin utilising membership services. Co-ops, mutuals and member-owned businesses are diverse in their forms and we welcome you all. They show up as Cooperative Companies, Industrial and Provident Societies, Building Societies, Credit Unions, Friendly Societies, Mutuals and finally, Companies Act organisations operating under co-op principles (think Mitre 10, Zespri or Foodstuffs North Island).

This pre-application form provides us with the initial information required for approval. Once approved, you will then be able to complete a full application form, which will set your organisation up with everything you need to start taking advantage of our services.

Full membership starts at $910 +GST p/a with flexible invoicing and is based off gross revenue tiers.

Corporate Associate Member enquiry form

Corporate Associate Membership

Our constitution defines our membership tiers. Our Corporate Associate Members are our partners and support the co-op economy up and down the country. We connect members and enquiries with you and look to you to help us with content and expertise to help New Zealand’s co-ops and mutuals thrive for the next 100 years.

This pre-application form provides us with the initial information required for approval. Once approved, you will then be able to complete a full application form, which will set your organisation up with everything you need to start taking advantage of our services.

Corporate Associate membership is $3,330 +GST p/a with flexible invoicing.

Provisional Member enquiry form

Provisional Membership

Our constitution defines our membership tiers. Our Provisional Members are in the research, scoping or forming stage of becoming a member-owned business. You could be considering converting to a co-op from a company, becoming worker-owned, or you could be a founder or entrepreneur starting a new business and thinking about what company form offers you and your stakeholders mutual value.

This pre-application form provides us with the initial information required for approval. Once approved, you will then be able to complete a full application form, which will set your organisation up with everything you need to start taking advantage of our services for Provisional Members.

Provisional membership is $360 +GST p/a.

Individual Member enquiry form

Individual Membership

Our constitution defines our membership tiers. Our Individual Members are passionate advocates for the cooperative, mutual and member-ownership model. If you are an academic, researcher or business leader well-versed in cooperatives and all that it entails, Individual Membership is designed for you.

This pre-application form provides us with the initial information required for approval. Once approved, you will then be able to complete a full application form, which will set your organisation up with everything you need to start taking advantage of our services for Provisional Members.

Individual membership is $145 +GST p/a.

Please note Individual Membership doesn’t confer Full, Provisional or Corporate Associate Member rights on the organisation or organisations you are part of.

Membership FAQs

  • The membership year runs from 1 June – 31 May. Current members are billed just before the new membership year.

    If you join throughout the membership year, you will be charged a pro-rata rate.

  • For Full and Provisional Members, membership with us extends to your entire Board, staff and your own shareholder-members. For example, Mitre 10 board, support office team and store owner-operators and their teams all benefit from Mitre 10’s membership.

  • For cooperatives seeking to enhance their operations, grow their networks, and strengthen their impact, CBNZ offers a unique and valuable membership. With tailored advocacy, expert support, and opportunities for collaboration, CBNZ positions its members to thrive in a rapidly changing world while staying true to the cooperative principles of mutual benefit and shared success.

    Nine key benefits of membership:

    • Advocacy and representation

    • Professional development and training

    • Guidance to anyone considering forming a cooperative

    • Networking and collaboration opportunities

    • Promotion of the cooperative movement

    • Stronger collective impact

    • Access to expert advice and resources

    • Industry insights and market intelligence

    • Part of an international cooperative network

  • Memberships are flexible and can be canceled at any time from your account. You’ll retain access through the end of your current billing cycle.

  • We offer flexible billing options including split invoicing to help your unique scenario. Simply get in touch to find out more.

  • Yes they do. Under our Constitution membership fees are adjusted by CPI each year and confirmed by the Board.