Support for start ups
Build something better, together
Starting a business can feel lonely.
You might have a strong idea, shared values, or a group of people facing the same challenge, but the usual “go it alone” model doesn’t quite fit.
Cooperatives offer another way.
A co-op is a business owned and shaped by the people who use it: customers; workers; suppliers, or a mix of all three. They are commercially focused, purpose-led, and designed to last.
In New Zealand, co-ops already underpin everyday life - from groceries and exports to healthcare, banking, rural services and small business networks - often without people even realising it.
Globally, co-ops are recognised by the UN as one of the most proven ways to combine enterprise with fairness, resilience and shared prosperity.
[ cooperatives build a better world ]Why start as a co-op?
You’re solving a shared problem
Many co-ops start when people realise they are facing the same challenge . Problems like access to markets, fair pricing, reliable services, decent work, or long-term security and that working together creates strength no one could achieve alone.
You want ownership to stay with the people who matter most
In a co-op, control sits with members, not distant investors. Decisions are grounded in real needs, not short-term returns.
You’re thinking long-term
Co-ops are built for continuity. In New Zealand, they operate for decades longer on average than conventional companies, providing stability through economic cycles and shocks.
You believe business should support wellbeing
Co-ops keep value circulating locally, support good jobs, and give people a genuine stake in outcomes. Many people see them as a practical pathway into a more inclusive, wellbeing-focused economy - without needing a new label or ideology.
Already running a business? You can convert to a co-op.
You don’t have to start from scratch.
Some businesses reach a point where the original ownership model no longer fits, whether due to succession challenges, growth pressures, workforce engagement, or a desire to lock in values for the future.
Converting to a co-operative can:
Keep the business independent and locally rooted
Share ownership with employees, customers or suppliers
Support succession without selling out
Strengthen trust, loyalty and long-term resilience
Established New Zealand businesses can explore this pathway. Take HRV, which transitioned in 2025 from a conventional company to a cooperative model, while retaining a national footprint.
“We moved to a cooperative model to ensure our purpose of ‘making all Kiwi homes healthier together’ is owned by those delivering it every day, with members united by a common mission and running the business for the benefit of customers, teams, and their long-term legacy.”
Norman Woods, CEO HRV
You don’t have to figure it out alone.
Co-ops are collaborative by nature, and early support matters.
At Cooperative Business NZ, we help founders, entrepreneurs and existing businesses understand whether a co-op is the right fit, and how to do it well.
If you’re considering the co-op model for your start up or thinking of converting your existing business to a co-op, you’re eligible to join as a Provisional Member and access our Co-op Connect member-only service, plus get member rates for networking and educational events and Co-op Academy online courses.
In our Co-op Academy Understanding Co-op Constitutions course you’ll find resources like our constitution template and tools like our world-first Constitution Delver, the chatbot that you can ask to help configure the right constitution for you, and search out clauses from existing New Zealand co-op constitutions.
Watch the Start up Foundations webinar [2021]
The ultimate start-up guide
Our popular start-up guide resources are the ideal companions for those interested in the business model to gain a good grasp on the steps required to make their cooperative dream a reality.
Thanks to the support of Corporate Associate Member Anderson Lloyd and the Companies Office, we are pleased to offer these complimentary resources to anyone who would like to learn more about establishing or joining a cooperative or mutual in New Zealand.
Bite-sized guides to co-ops
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What is a cooperative?
We’re thrilled you’re exploring more about the world of co-ops. This resource provides you with the foundational knowledge of the business model, how it differs from other business structures and the relevant New Zealand legislation.
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Is a cooperative the right model for our business?
Have you identified an opportunity for a group of people/members to collectively work together? The next step in your journey is considering whether you need to establish a formal legal entity and, if so, whether the co-operative model will best meet the needs of the group.
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Establishing a cooperative
If you are ready to take the next step, this resource explores the important steps required to get your business off the ground. How to draft up your feasibility study and business case to assist you in gaining members and funding.
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Successful operation of a cooperative
It’s time to execute on your plans! This resource provides you with a basic roadmap to ensuring the ongoing success of your co-op.
