Oxfam on Campus Fair Trade Fiesta

Oxfam on Campus Fair Trade Fiesta: 8th May – 11th May 2006

An exciting celebration and promotion of the 'Fairtrade' concept will take place at The University of Auckland as part of the nationwide Fairtrade fortnight. This runs from 29th April – 13th May, with the University's events taking place on the 8th and the 10th May.

'Fairtrade' is about paying poor producers a fair price, and helping them gain the business skills and knowledge to work their way out of poverty. It offers an alternative approach to conventional trade, which seeks greater equity for producers and workers in the developing world. By choosing Fairtrade, consumers can use their purchasing power to ensure that some of the benefits of trade reach the poor.

Already Oxfam on Campus, a large group of dedicated students, has made significant progress towards bringing Fairtrade produce to The University of Auckland. In just 1 month we campaigned successfully to get a popular campus coffee shop 'Relax' to switch entirely to Fairtrade coffee. In addition, the group has collected hundreds of signatures from students in support of supplying Fairtrade coffee and chocolate at the University. Even more exciting are our negotiations currently taking place with the largest university coffee supplier 'Bacchid Benevolence'. This is just the beginning. With the full support of Auckland University Students Association, Oxfam on Campus is aiming to bring Auckland University up to the international standards required to be a 'Certified Fairtrade University'.

The general public is invited to attend and participate in all the events that will be held in the central quad of the University.

Program of Events:

Monday 8th May

12pm - Welcome speech from Oxfam on Campus

12.10 - Speech: Barry Coates, Head of Oxfam NZ

12.30pm - Live Band: Electric Confectionaires

1.10pm - World Music DJ

12pm - 2.30pm - Trade Aid Stalls/Fairtrade coffee tasting

Wednesday 10th May

12.30pm - Speech: Phil Twyford (Previous head of Oxfam and current Labour MP)

1pm - Student Representative Council Meeting and Fairtrade debate

2.30pm - World Music DJ

ENDS

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