International Year of Cooperatives 2025

A global report from the International Cooperative Alliance examining how cooperatives and mutuals reduce inequality, strengthen inclusion, and contribute to Sustainable Development Goal 10.

The United Nations General Assembly has adopted Resolution A/RES/80/182, recognising the vital role of cooperatives in promoting inclusive economic and social development worldwide. The resolution calls for the proclamation of an International Year of Cooperatives every 10 years.

The World Cooperative Monitor 2025 provides a global snapshot of the scale, reach, and economic contribution of the world’s largest cooperatives and mutuals.

A Contract for a New Global Economy sets out a shared vision from the world’s largest cooperatives and mutuals for how democratic, member-owned enterprises can contribute to a fairer, more sustainable global economy. 

Since 1987, Foodfirst has been more than just a food distributor, it has been a cornerstone of New Zealand’s communities.

The significant contribution the cooperative and mutual sector makes to Aotearoa New Zealand was acknowledged at an event at Parliament to coincide with the release of the NZ Cooperative Economy Report 2025.

The New Zealand Cooperative Economy Report 2025 is the most current and comprehensive snapshot of the scale, structure, and contribution of cooperatives and mutuals to New Zealand’s economy.

Few individuals have had as profound an impact on New Zealand’s cooperative economy as John Tavendale (ONZM). For more than five decades, John has been a guiding force in agribusiness, lending his wisdom, resilience, and strategic vision to numerous organisations.

Prepared for the United Nations General Assembly this report examines the role of cooperatives in advancing social development outcomes, including poverty eradication, decent work, and social inclusion.

A proud Foodfirst cooperative member and a true NZ Coop Icon Foodfirst is proud to reflect on the journey of one of its most dedicated and inspiring members, the Owen family, who this year celebrate 40 years in the food distribution industry. Their story is one of vision, resilience, and deep-rooted values.

Livestock Improvement Corporation (LIC) is a farmer-owned co-operative and world leader in pasture-based dairy genetics and agri-tech that have helped to improve New Zealand dairy herds for over 100 years.

Dr Antony (Ants) Roberts has dedicated his career to advancing agricultural science, making a profound impact on fertiliser cooperative Ravensdown and the broader agri-sector.

One of the greatest challenges for cooperatives and mutuals is to be able to quantify and articulate the value that your businesses create. Often the financial metrics of corporate success are not easily applied when there is a mutual business purpose.

Two years ago, Cyclone Gabrielle and the Auckland Anniversary Weekend floods left devastation in their wake, creating one of the biggest challenges rural New Zealand has ever faced. As communities rebuilt, FMG stood shoulder to shoulder with its clients, paying out over $300 million in claims.

In 2014 in the heart of the Wairarapa, on a wet and cold Tuesday evening in August, a group of like-minded independent automotive workshop owners gathered around the table. They had a shared challenge. From that meeting, the Blackfern Co-operative was born.