Cooperatives need to be better understood by NZ politicians

In the run up to the 2011 general election political parties were quizzed as to their views on co-ops

In the run up to the November 26 general election, the New Zealand Cooperatives Association circulated seven questions to the major political parties seeking their views on issues which are important to cooperative and mutual enterprise.

Commenting on the answers received, Cooperatives Association chairperson Chris Knowles said:

“The general confusion in these responses shows that some of our political parties, and presumably the politicians who represent them, just don’t understand how beneficial cooperatives are to New Zealand society.”

Blue Read, chair of the Association’s UN International Year of Cooperatives 2012 NZ Steering Committee said:

“I am confident that by celebrating the International Year of Cooperatives in 2012, many more people will appreciate the strengths, the virtues and the values of the cooperative model.

“Cooperatives represent the best of all worlds, being formed by individuals or business enterprises with common needs who realise the value of acting in a collective manner for mutual benefit and the common good.

“A cooperative epitomises the proud New Zealand heritage of self help and getting on with the job.”

The responses can be found at HERE.