ESG and sustainability reporting by New Zealand cooperatives (2022)

This report examines the extent and quality of ESG and sustainability reporting by New Zealand’s largest cooperative organisations. It was prepared by KPMG New Zealand in collaboration with Cooperative Business NZ and forms part of KPMG’s wider global work on sustainability and non-financial reporting.

The report reviews publicly available information published by the 30 largest cooperatives by revenue and compares their reporting practices with those of New Zealand’s Top 100 companies, key international trading partners, and global benchmarks.

Report at a glance

• Prepared by: KPMG New Zealand

• In collaboration with: Cooperative Business NZ

• Date: March 2023

• Focus: ESG and sustainability reporting practices

• Geographic scope: New Zealand

• Format: Analytical report (PDF)

Why this report matters

Cooperatives are often described as purpose-led and values-driven enterprises. This report tests whether that purpose is being clearly communicated through public ESG and sustainability reporting.

The findings highlight a significant gap between the inherent social and environmental role of cooperatives and the information they currently make publicly available. While many cooperatives are actively managing environmental, social, and governance issues, this activity is not consistently reflected in external reporting.

For New Zealand audiences, the report provides timely context as expectations around climate reporting, transparency, and stakeholder accountability continue to increase.

Key themes explored

• Less than half of New Zealand’s largest cooperatives publish any form of sustainability reporting

• Cooperative ESG disclosure rates are materially lower than those of New Zealand’s Top 100 companies and international peers

• Agribusiness cooperatives lead reporting practice relative to other sectors

• Climate, biodiversity, social, and governance risks are under-reported across most cooperatives

• Improved reporting represents both a risk-mitigation opportunity and a way to strengthen trust with members, customers, communities, and regulators

How to use the report

• Inform governance and management discussions within cooperatives

• Provide evidence for ESG capability-building and advisory work

• Support conversations with lenders, insurers, and regulators

• Contribute to broader debates about transparency and accountability in member-owned business models

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