Dear Member,

We're entering peak harvest season for some members, and it's a busy time!  Because every dollar counts, we're delighted to bring a suite of new, value-add benefits to members, and to introduce a scholarship fund, supported by our partner Brannigans. We're bringing panel discussion and networking events to Christchurch in April, and Auckland in May - all are welcome. I look forward to seeing many of you there. 

Our messaging is the greatest influence we have to increase awareness of the purpose of co-ops and mutuals and how they benefit society. With that in mind, we are updating the Cooperative Economy Report for 2025 and launching it at an event in Parliament in July. Plus, we're collecting and sharing stories of the collective impact of co-operatives and mutuals through the NZ Coop Icons campaign. We'd love your contributions!

Finally, over in the UK a new industry council for co-ops and mutuals launched officially at Nationwide, the UK’s largest mutual bank. The UK Government’s ambition to double the size of the co-op and mutual economy will be supported by the new council, the Mutuals and Co-operatives Business Council (MCBC), which will consult directly with the government on policy reforms and action. We're watching with interest to learn what we can.

I look forward to collaborating with you all this year. If I can be of any help, please reach out.

Ngā mihi / In co-operation   

Saya Wahrlich

CEO, Cooperative Business NZ

IYC 2025 AND EXCUSIVE MEMBER OFFERS

Value-packed exclusive member offers

We've partnered with Corporate Associate Members Brannigans and Sharesies Business to bring you new, exclusive member benefits including generous discounts and buying rates on Orchestra software; executive recruitment; Health & Safety and HR services. Plus, with the support of Brannigans, we're launching a new scholarship fund for members.  Check out the offers

Sharing IYC2025 - get the official logo

Did you know it's easy for co-ops, mutuals and member owned businesses in New Zealand to get involved in the International Year of Cooperatives? Apply for permission to use the IYC 2025 logo from COPAC and the United Nations and showcase your participation in the cooperative economy. 
It's easy, fast and free!  Learn more

Year long NZ Coop Icons campaign - share your stories

Showcase your organisation or leadership and the value you bring to your members. Tell us your member stories, your origin stories or share your innovations. Download our communications kit and share your story today to be featured in our NZ Coop Icons campaign.
Inspire others with your impact. Learn more

The Cooperative Economy Report 2025

We're updating the Cooperative Economy report for 2025. Last released in 2021, this research plays a vital part in understanding the impact co-ops, mutuals and member-owned firms have on our economy and our society. Focusing on the top 30 organisations in the sector, we are undertaking our desk research this month, and will be reaching out to members to validate info soon. The report is being launched at an event at Parliament on 22 July 2025. All members will be invited to attend. 

EVENTS, TRAINING & RESOURCES

Event: From setbacks to success: Key lessons for thriving cooperatives in Aotearoa New Zealand 

We're delighted to partner with the Lincoln University Centre of Excellence Transformative Agribusiness on a presentation and panel discussion with Professor Murray Fulton, Fellow in Co-operatives and Public Policy at the Centre for the Study of Co-operatives, University of Saskatchewan, Sarah How, co-founder of Landify and Jane Montgomery, director at Ravensdown. Drawing on lessons learnt from the successes and failures of cooperatives internationally, the discussion will focus on key factors that will help ensure a positive future for cooperative businesses as they face the challenges of the twenty-first century. Event is followed by networking and drinks.

4:00pm - 6:30pm, 1 April 2025, Lincoln University. All welcome.

Event: Cooperatives, mutuals and wellbeing - making a difference to staff, members and our communities 

Join ProCare CEO Bindi Norwell, CareHQ CEO Brett Butler and a co-op and mutual expert panel to learn how the sector is approaching wellbeing, and tips to take back to your own business and members. Case studies include ProCare's ProEquity strategy, CareHQ's collaborative inception plus programmes built for staff, member and rural community wellbeing. The event commences 4:00pm followed by networking and drinks from 5:30pm. Registration from 3:30pm.

3:30pm - 6:30pm, 6 May 2025, Auckland CBD. All welcome.

Recording: Discover the Mutual Value Measurement Framework©

If you missed the February webinar launching the Mutual Value Measurement Framework©, the recording is now available. Watch now to learn how co-operatives and mutuals can use this impact measurement methodology designed with and by the sector to measure what really matters.
In celebration of IYC 2025, we have partnered with the BCCM to offer the BCCM member discount rate for MVM (licence and accreditation) for CBNZ members.
Watch

Programme: Mayfield 6 month Co-op Governance Development 

Guided by esteemed facilitators Janine Smith and Associate Professor David Tweed, and delivered in partnership with Mayfield Group, this programme offers immersive workshops, personalised coaching, and remote learning. Enhance your understanding of directorship roles, refine your boardroom effectiveness, and chart your co-op governance career path. With limited spaces available, early registration is recommended to secure your place.

May 2025 cohort - Register [2 places remain] 

October 2025 cohort - Register

New resource: Co-op Helper

Ask any question of legislation related to co-ops, mutuals or member owned businesses in New Zealand. Look for the Co-op Helper bottom right on our website. Experiment

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