Co-op Connect - a service for members

Opening doors. Making connections. Strengthening the cooperative economy.

Co-op Connect helps members access trusted local and global connections, linking cooperatives and mutuals with peers, experts, and opportunities across New Zealand and internationally.

Co-op Connect is a member service from Cooperative Business NZ that helps cooperatives and mutuals access the right connections locally and globally.

Drawing on our national and international networks, we make warm, purposeful introductions between members, to global cooperatives, government agencies, industry bodies, and trusted professional partners.

Co-op Connect helps members save time, learn from peers, and access expertise to support growth, innovation, and resilience.

  • Members can request a connection at any time, or may be proactively connected where a clear opportunity or shared interest is identified.

    Typical steps include:

    • A short conversation to understand the question, challenge or opportunity

    • Identifying relevant people or organisations locally or globally

    • Making a warm introduction or facilitated connection

    • Supporting follow-up where helpful

    Over the past 12 months, Co-op Connect has been tested and refined through real-world member requests, with connections tracked to ensure value and learning across the wider ecosystem.

  • Co-op Connect is available to member organisations of Cooperative Business NZ, including:

    • Established cooperatives and mutuals

    • Growing or transitioning organisations exploring cooperative structures

    • Boards, CEOs, senior leaders and emerging leaders

    • Small and large member-owned enterprises across all sectors

  • Check out our Partner and Full Member directories under ‘Membership’ in the website navigation.

  • Co-op Connect is not:

    • A commercial recruitment or consulting service

    • A public directory or automated matching platform

    • A replacement for professional advice

    It is a member-focused, trust-based connection service grounded in Cooperative Business NZ’s role as an honest broker for the cooperative and mutual sector.

Sometimes, the right conversation at the right time can make all the difference

We’ve designed Co-op Connect to be light-touch, responsive and relationship-based. It is not a directory or an open marketplace. Each connection is considered, contextual, and made with purpose.

  • One-to-one introductions between members

  • Connections to cooperatives and mutuals offshore

  • Access to global cooperative experts and peak bodies

  • Introductions to government agencies, regulators, and industry groups

  • Connections to trusted corporate associate members and professional partners

  • Outreach to New Zealanders working in relevant sectors internationally

It is particularly valuable for members who:

  • Operate in niche or highly specialised sectors

  • Are exploring growth, innovation, or international opportunities

  • Want to learn from other co-ops facing similar challenges

  • Need to navigate government, policy or regulatory environments

  • Have limited internal capacity but need access to expertise

Can we connect you?

If you're keen to be connected, get started now and share a few details about your request. We'll review your message and get back to you within 48 hours.