The 2025 Annual Award winners from New Zealand’s co-ops and mutuals prove why member-owned enterprises endure five times longer.

A New Zealand report examining alternative housing ownership and delivery models, including cooperative housing, and the policy settings needed to support affordability and security.

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.

Cooperative Business NZ is pleased to announce the results of its recent election for Member Directors with re-election of Garry Diack and Mike Brown, and new Member Director Bridget Service.

A Rabobank white paper examining the scale and complexity of farm succession in New Zealand, as the primary sector faces its largest-ever intergenerational transfer of ownership and control.

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.

Craig Erasmus on active membership, capital discipline and operating a labour co-operative within the RSE scheme.

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.

Academic research involving 68 New Zealand cooperatives finds that commercial success does not require cooperatives to compromise their principles. Instead, entrepreneurial performance is strengthened when cooperative principles are combined with effective knowledge sharing, member engagement and strategic communication.

Luc Vanoirbeek on European horticultural co-ops, climate pressure and five conditions for co-operative success over the next 50 years.

A global report from the International Cooperative Alliance exploring how cooperatives create jobs, support livelihoods, and contribute to decent work and Sustainable Development Goal 8.

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.