To celebrate the achievements of some of its longstanding member co-operatives, Cooperative Business New Zealand will be awarding prizes at its annual general meeting (AGM) in August. This is the first time that the country’s apex organisation for co-ops will be hosting the awards, which were designed to highlight the outstanding results of some Kiwi co-operatives.
Ian Macintosh, the newly appointed chief executive of Cooperative Business New Zealand, says the inaugural awards event will blend innovation with tradition.
“This is a great opportunity to formally recognise more than 35 co-ops’ significant anniversary milestones of 25, 50, 75 and 100 years.These Kiwi-owned co-operatives represent more than 1,600 years of sustained service, while retaining all profits within New Zealand.
“These new awards will celebrate the significant success of the co-operative business model. Co-ops continue to prove they are modern businesses, efficient and competitive in a fast-paced market across many sectors,” he said.
Cooperative Business represents co-ops from across the country, which account for more than three percent of New Zealand’s gross domestic product (GDP), employ 43,000 people and turn over $41 billion a year.
“Time tells us that co-ops are here for the long haul, not the short term dollar. Cooperative Business New Zealand will continue to advocate for the recognition within urban areas, schools, universities and institutes and the general public that, by supporting Kiwi co-ops, we can build a better New Zealand,” added Mr MacIntosh.
Cooperative Business New Zealand’s AGM will take place on 14 August in Auckland. Keynote speaker at the event, Greg Wall, chief executive of Capricorn Society and board member of the International Co-operative Alliance, will be joined by Richard Westlake, founder and managing director of Westlake Governance and Ben Russell, chief executive of Rabobank New Zealand.
Mr Wall will deliver a presentation on efforts of the International Co-operative Alliance to promote co-operatives globally. He will also facilitate a discussion importance of a chief executive in a co-operative. Delegates will also look at the role of independent directors in a co-operative, a debate led by Richard Westlake. The forum will be followed by the annual awards dinner where Ben Russell will deliver a keynote speech.
Photo: Cooperative Business New Zealand board members - Tony Reilly, Ian Macintosh and Jonathan Lee.
