Dear Member,

I enjoyed a fantastic visit to Canterbury last week, a huge thank you to everyone I had the chance to meet with on the eve of school holidays, and the start of this week has been a flurry of follow up connections and introductions. 

This week also marks the halfway point in the International Year of Cooperatives - with global #CoopsDay on 5 July. We've been marking the year here with ramped up in-person events and last month we enjoyed an excellent turnout at our AI event in Auckland. We heard ProCare cooperative CEO Bindi Norwell and ex CDO/CIO Mitre 10 Phil Coster speak about AI applications in healthcare and retail. For more on co-ops and AI, check out this fascinating HBR article 'Five ways cooperatives can shape the future of AI'. 

We look forward to welcoming you to our next IYC2025 in-person events on 16 and 17 July in Christchurch and Auckland; practical sessions covering sustainability and non-financial reporting for co-ops. KPMG's experts will share how sustainability reporting can align with your cooperative values and member purpose, and the sessions are for co-ops of all sizes and stages, whether you're developing your first sustainability statement or refining your existing approach.

Finally, I want to acknowledge with great sadness the tragic passing of NZ Hops cooperative member Peter Lines in Nelson last week. Our deepest condolences are foremost with Peter's family, and the wider hop industry community of which he was a committed leader.

Ngā mihi / In co-operation   

Saya Wahrlich

CEO, Cooperative Business NZ

UPDATES AND IYC 2025 

Director nominations close 5pm Friday 4 July 

Cooperative Business NZ is calling for nominations from eligible Members interested in serving as a Director of the Board. There are currently three (3) Board positions to fill, noting that Mike Brown and Garry Diack are retiring by rotation and both are standing for re-election. Appointment of Member Directors to the Board will be determined by election from the membership. Please note that the nominee must be a current Member in an eligible category of Cooperative Business NZ.   
Nomination form and details

Cooperation among cooperatives

This month we highlight a core co-op principle, cooperation among cooperatives - which strengthens businesses, empowers members, and supports thriving communities. Did you know NZ's co-operative community spans travel and cleaning sectors? We’re proud to foster connections that make a real difference by sharing and highlighting fellow cooperatives, what they offer, and how we can all support each other across Aotearoa. World Travellers and NZ Cleaning Co-op are standing by to support fellow co-ops.

Check them out now!

We want you (and your best co-op shots!)

We’re refreshing the imagery across our marketing collateral including our website, to highlight the incredible range of co-ops in Aotearoa. From veterinary practices and health insurers to banking, trades, and primary industries, your photos help us show the strength and diversity of our sector. If your co-op has high-quality images or a brand kit that you’re happy to share, please send them to marketing@nz.coop.

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 in Q3 2025. All members will be invited to attend. 

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

EVENTS, TRAINING & RESOURCES

IYC2025 Events: Demystifying sustainability reporting with KPMG

Join us this month at the next two in-person events in our International Year of Cooperatives event series. Sustainability and non-financial reporting are rapidly becoming core expectations from stakeholders — including members, customers, regulators and investors. Plus RFP responses will often require a sustainability response. But for some, especially those with limited resources or just beginning their journey, it can be hard to know where to start.  At these practical, co-op focused events, KPMG's experts will share resources to break it down for co-op leaders, directors and members.

Locations: KPMG Christchurch CBD and KPMG Auckland CBD

Podcast: Seasonal Solutions Cooperative CEO Craig Erasmus

Seasonal Solutions co-op was one of the founding entities of the current RSE scheme, and brings in over 1,100 seasonal workers each year to share labour across its diverse members. The co-op has recently worked through a multi-year shareholder-member engagement and share buy-back process. Craig describes their approach and the resulting benefits they are now experiencing as a co-op. Listen

NZ Made logo now available as NZ Service Trademark

As proud Kiwi businesses, many cooperatives and co-op member businesses could be eligible to apply for the new New Zealand Service Trademark. Not only a way to further authenticate as a New Zealand owned and operated business, this trademark can help you stand out from your competition. 

Businesses that apply must provide Buy NZ Made with a statement outlining how they are meeting at least one of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. Don't worry, as co-ops you'll be able to show how you not only give back to your members but also to the wider community or charities.

Find out more

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 set your co-op governance career path. The May cohort sold out, so secure your place in the October cohort now!

October 2025 cohort - Register

Got an upcoming event?

If your cooperative is hosting an event, training, conference or meeting that could interest others in our network, we’d love to help spread the word. You can register your activity through the What’s On page on nz.coop or via this short form.

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