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membership with us
Membership with us
For cooperatives seeking to enhance their operations, grow their networks, and strengthen their impact, CBNZ offers a unique and valuable membership. With tailored advocacy, expert support, and opportunities for collaboration, CBNZ positions its members to thrive in a rapidly changing world while staying true to the cooperative principles of mutual benefit and shared success.
- Advocacy and Representation
- Professional Development and Training
- Guidance to anyone considering forming a cooperative
- Networking and Collaboration Opportunities
- Promotion of the Cooperative Movement
- Stronger Collective Impact
- Access to Expert Advice and Resources
- Industry Insights and Market Intelligence
- Part of an international cooperative network
Meet our Members
Full Members
Our Full members sit across almost every sector and vary greatly in size. One thing they all have in common? They are some of New Zealand’s most enduring, innovative and sustainable businesses.
Corporate Associate Members
We work with selected partners that offer specialist skills and expertise to help our members sustainably grow their businesses.
benefits of membership
Advocacy and representation
CBNZ acts as a collective voice advocating for NZ’s cooperative businesses at both national and international levels. By joining, members have their interests represented in policy discussions and regulatory frameworks. CBNZ ensures that cooperative values and needs are well-represented, helping shape a business environment that fosters the growth and sustainability of cooperatives. We work with local and internationally aligned bodies to keep abreast of shared advocacy and lobbying initiatives.
Networking and collaboration opportunities
CBNZ fosters a strong network of cooperatives across various industries and sectors, providing opportunities for members to collaborate, share knowledge, and develop partnerships. Through sector and leader forums, round tables and other events, members are connected with like-minded organisations, enabling them to learn best practices, drive innovation, and explore new business opportunities. We celebrate coop business success too, at our annual awards.
Access to expert advice and resources
Membership offers access to a wealth of resources, including legal, financial, and governance expertise tailored specifically to cooperatives. CBNZ helps members navigate the unique challenges of running a cooperative business, providing tools and insights that enhance operational efficiency, governance, and overall performance. Look out for our new template section going live later in 2024.
Professional development and training
CBNZ prioritises capability building for cooperative members, and their own members, through access to training programmes, webinars, workshops, and educational opportunities.
Promotion of the cooperative movement
CBNZ champions the cooperative model as a key contributor to economic growth, social inclusion, and sustainability. Whether in the media, or through our targeted partnerships, we aim to improve and embed awareness of the value of cooperatives to the NZ economy and society.
Industry insights and market intelligence
Members receive regular updates on market trends, industry reports, and the latest research relevant to cooperative businesses.
Guidance to anyone considering forming a cooperative
Considering establishing a new cooperative and need to understand what rules and regulations are applicable, what you need to do? We’ve got the latest up to date guidance to make this easy for you.
Stronger collective impact
By being part of CBNZ, members contribute to a larger collective impact, fostering a stronger cooperative movement in New Zealand. Together, cooperatives build a more sustainable, inclusive economy that prioritises people and communities over profits. This collective strength helps drive policies that benefit cooperatives and creates a resilient business ecosystem.
Part of an international cooperative network
Our members can access our international networks and affiliations for subject matter experts, specialist research and insights.
Membership Types
We offer five membership types. This allows us to offer select benefits and services to a range of businesses and individual leaders regardless of which stage of co-operative business they may be in.
Full Member
For member-owned organisations operating under co-operative principles.
Provisional Member
For individuals or groups looking to establish a co-operative.
Corporate Associate
For organisations identified as offering specialist services of value to our members.
Individual Member
For senior leaders who are advocates for the model and want to be involved independently.
Honorary Member
Awarded to individuals who have made a significant contribution to the sector.