NEWS RELEASE
3 December 2009

Wellington officially a Fair Trade City

Wellington has officially received Fair Trade City status after its application was approved by the Fair Trade Association of Australia and New Zealand (FTAANZ).

Dunedin has also been given the nod with FTAANZ granting both cities ‘joint first’ in the country fair trade city status.

In September Wellington City Council made a resolution to achieve the required goals for becoming a Fair Trade City. These included setting up a community steering group, fair trade products being widely used and available, and the Council resolving to support fair trade and make use of fair trade products itself.

Mayor Kerry Prendergast says it is something Wellington should be very proud of with the community pulling together to achieve the required goals

“There has been great enthusiasm and commitment by Wellingtonians to get to this point and it will further enhance the city’s international reputation.

“We were the first council in New Zealand to publicly declare support for the principle of fair trade and we are now the first Capital City in the Southern Hemisphere with Fair Trade City status.

“Wellington has over 100 businesses serving and selling fair trade products. As an organisation, Wellington City Council has achieved Fair Trade status and we provide fair traded products at our workplace and for all Council and public meetings.”

Councillor Celia Wade-Brown, a member of Wellington's steering group, also welcomes the new Fair Trade City status, saying it’s a reflection of Wellington’s sophisticated café culture and compassion.

“I'd like to thank the members of the steering group for their persistence in making this happen. Fair Trade City status means we can raise the profile among residents and businesses alike about whether their purchases support or ignore ethical production.”

A formal presentation with FTAANZ will take place next week at a date yet to be confirmed. There are currently more than 500 Fair Trade Cities worldwide including London, Rome and San Francisco.

ENDS

© Scoop Media