New Zealand - Economic Development Minister salutes co-ops at inaugural leader’s forum

Co-operative Business New Zealand's first Co-operative Business Leaders’ Forum held on 3 March 2017 at Auckland’s Fonterra Centre was attended by university researchers, top executives and the Minister for Economic Development Hon. Simon Bridges. Speaking on the occasion, Minister Simon Bridges acknowledged the important role of co-operatives in the New Zealand economy noted that co-operatives contribute 20% of New Zealand's GDP, with that value being retained locally. The one-day event included an overview Dr Lisa Callagher and Dr Elena Garnevska, from the University of Auckland’s Business School and Massey University respectively of a recently published joint university research project titled: The New Zealand Co-operative Economy. Cooperative Business New Zealand brings together co-ops, mutual and societies from across sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, insurance, banking, education, health, wholesale and retail.