Top twenty fairest towns in New Zealand announced

The top 20 most fair trade-friendly towns in the country have been announced today in the Oxfam Fair Trade Index – based on the number of Oxfam’s Morning Tea events per capita, per town.

Oxfam’s Morning Teas involve friends, workmates, community groups and students getting together to celebrate fair trade, enjoy tasty goodies and raise money to help struggling farmers in the developing world.

Topping the Oxfam Fair Trade Index is the Waikato town of Waitoa.

Mayor Jan Barnes says, “It’s wonderful to hear that our small community is filled with such big-hearted people. Their morning teas are having a big impact on farming communities in the Pacific and southeast Asia. Congratulations, Waitoa!”

New Zealanders all over the country are now putting the jug on for Oxfam’s Morning Tea during Fair Trade Fortnight, May 8-22. Hosts invite friends and family to share a cuppa and a slice of cake in exchange for a gold coin donation. Money raised goes toward Oxfam’s work with communities across the Pacific and Southeast Asia.

Fair trade enables small-scale farmers in developing countries to work their way out of poverty by giving them a fair price for their product, better working conditions and the ability to improve the quality of life in their communities.

In Timor-Leste Oxfam supports coffee co-operatives to achieve Fairtrade certification and benefit from bigger harvests and fairer prices – with results including increased income, better diets, and improved health and education.

Coordinator of the Manelobas coffee co-op in Timor-Leste, Cornell de Concicao, said, “Without Fairtrade certification we’re dependent on the companies. We have to take whatever price they offer. With Fairtrade certification, the price of coffee will be guaranteed.

”Our lives are better than before. In the past we ate only corn and cassava, but now we have a more diverse diet. I’d like to finish building my house and support my children to go to school – I want my daughters to finish their studies.”

Executive Director of Oxfam New Zealand, Rachael Le Mesurier, said, “The success of Oxfam’s Morning Teas and sales of fair trade products in general have seen a huge growth in the last few years. Kiwis believe in giving everyone a fair go and this really comes through with the number of people signing up – it’s a fun way to be part of the solution to global poverty and your fair choices do make a difference to farmers, their families and wider communities.”

Join Kiwis everywhere in hosting an Oxfam’s Morning Tea this year. It’s easy to sign up atwww.oxfamsmorningtea.org.nz
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