Cooperative Business NZ Signs up 30th Provisional Member

MEDIA RELEASE • 20 August 2013

Cooperative Business New Zealand | www.nz.coop

Cooperative Business New Zealand Signs up 30th Provisional Member

With two new provisional members having been approved at today’s Cooperative Business New Zealand board meeting, the organisation has reached a significant milestone.

30 groups and individuals that are looking to form a cooperative or convert an existing business into a cooperative are now members.

“Six years ago there was no interest in forming cooperatives whatsoever. The interest is huge now,” said Ramsey Margolis, Cooperative Business Executive Director. “This shows clearly how people are now considering the cooperative business model when starting a new business, seeing it as relevant to their needs.”

“Looking at the range of business types people are wanting to start, it is also clear that the cooperative business model works for more than just dairy farmers and shop owners.

“The two new members whose applications were approved at the board meeting were a group of people looking to form a business incubator as a co-working cooperative, and a cooperative as part of an eco-village development.”

“With 53 full member businesses, 11 individual associate members and 30 provisional members, Cooperative Business New Zealand is working to advocate for and educate to ensure the future of the country’s cooperatives and mutuals.

“In 2011, New Zealand’s 40 largest cooperatives and mutuals accounted for annual revenue of more than $39 billion, were responsible for 3% of GDP and employed over 43,000 people.”

ENDS

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