Cooperative Excellence Awardees Shine In International Year Of Cooperatives

• New Zealand’s co-ops and mutuals prove why member-owned enterprises endure five times longer

AUCKLAND– Amid the global celebrations wrapping up the UN International Year of Cooperatives 2025 in this week, Cooperative Business NZ (CBNZ) has recognised the people and organisations driving innovation, leadership, and longevity across the country’s cooperative economy.

CBNZ Chief Executive Saya Wahrlich said this year’s awards carried special significance, coinciding with the launch of new national research confirming the resilience and importance of cooperative enterprise.

“The Cooperative Economy Report 2025 shows for the first time that New Zealand cooperatives and mutuals endure on average five times longer than other companies,” said Ms Wahrlich.
“That longevity comes from shared ownership, shared purpose, and a commitment to community, and tonight’s award winners embody those principles in action.”

Award winners:

• Lifetime Achievement: David Scurr, Amalgamated Food Distributors (AFD) for over 35 years of leadership and mentorship within Foodfirst Co-operative and the South Island’s food distribution sector.
• Emerging Leader: Isabel Schmahl, Ravensdown, recognised for her passion for sustainable farming and community engagement across the Southland region.
• Leader of the Year: Carl Taylor, CBS Co-operative, whose vision has united 1,900 independent builders and reshaped the building-supply landscape.
• Cooperative Innovation: ProCare, for revolutionising primary healthcare through AI scribes, digital assistants, and a sector-wide Health Accelerator JV.
• Cooperative / Mutual of the Year: FMG, marking 120 years of mutual service and investing millions back into rural wellbeing through Programme Shepherd, Farmstrong, and community initiatives.

FMG also received the Enduring Service Award for its 120-year milestone, symbolising the longevity that defines New Zealand’s cooperative sector.

“Whether it’s a century-old mutual like FMG or a younger co-op like CBS and ProCare, all share the same DNA; collaboration, trust, and care for people,” Ms Wahrlich said.

“That’s why cooperatives don’t just survive tough times; they thrive through them.”

The awards evening highlighted the diversity of cooperative enterprise, from agriculture and health to retail, insurance, and construction, and reaffirmed the business model’s central role in building a sustainable, inclusive New Zealand economy.

About Cooperative Business NZ

Cooperative Business NZ is the peak body for cooperatives, mutuals and member-owned businesses in Aotearoa New Zealand. It independently represents them to government, regulators, educators and policymakers to increase awareness of the contributions they make to New Zealand and ensure they continue to prosper and thrive for generations to come.

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