The submission supported the overall direction of the proposed rules, particularly the emphasis on public value and economic benefit. It encouraged stronger recognition of how ownership and business structure influence outcomes, and recommended measures to ensure cooperatives and other New Zealand-owned enterprises have fair access to procurement opportunities. 

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.

Professor Murray Fulton on why large co-ops fail, early warning signs for boards, and how to keep co-operatives focused for the long term.

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.

The submission outlined the view that existing tax concessions for friendly societies and credit unions recognise their unique structure and purpose, and support their ability to reinvest surpluses for the benefit of members and communities. It noted that removing these concessions could increase costs, reduce accessibility, and undermine the social and economic role these organisations play. 

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.

Microsoft’s announcement of the end of support for Windows 10 in October this year has raised pressing concerns for businesses, particularly for cooperatives that are small and medium enterprises (SMEs), or co-ops with members that are SMEs.

To help our members navigate this transition, we’ve partnered with Cyclone to create a resource that answers critical questions and provides actionable insights tailored to SMEs.

It is with profound respect and gratitude that we reflect on the life and contributions of Brian Cameron, the inaugural chair of Cooperative Business NZ and a true cooperative icon. A trailblazer in both the cooperative and irrigation sectors, Brian’s enduring legacy is etched into the fabric of New Zealand’s economy and communities.

Announcing the UN International Year of Cooperatives 2025 kick off in New Zealand.

Cooperative Business NZ, the voice for the country’s cooperatives and mutuals, is backing calls to create a fairer banking environment for smaller and specialist banks. 

Emerging Leader Ashleigh Buchanan on servant leadership, inclusion and growing people capability inside a New Zealand mutual.

This year’s awards celebrate both individuals and organisations for their contributions to the cooperative and mutual community and recognise the value it brings to New Zealand.

John Brosnan on the bioeconomy, climate innovation and why co-ops are central to Ireland’s next growth wave.

Housing affordability is a persistent challenge in New Zealand with wide-ranging economic and social impacts. This research provides one of the most comprehensive academic examinations of cooperative housing in Aotearoa New Zealand, filling a significant gap in local literature.

Capricorn Society CEO David Fraser on 50 years of cooperative relevance in the automotive sector.

Lifeline Connect Training, an organisation born from Lifeline, brings mental health and wellbeing training to your people leaders and customer-facing team members so they can safely and confidently support customers, colleagues and the community.

The International Cooperative Alliance has announced Cooperatives Build a Better World as the theme for the 2025 UN International Year of Cooperatives (IYC2025), showcasing the enduring global impact cooperatives have everywhere.

It’s Cooperative Business NZ’s financial year end which is a great opportunity to provide a round-up of our past year’s activity! Here’s a wrap-up from our new CEO Saya Wahrlich.