Economic, environmental and social sustainability is at the core of the co-operative business model. These are member-owned and controlled businesses and organisations as opposed to investor-owned and controlled. Members have "skin in the game" and are there for the long term and not (potentially) here today and gone tomorrow - as with many investors. Members who are becoming more and more committed towards achieving true sustainability.

The theme for this year’s International Day of Co-operatives (7th July) is ‘Sustainable societies through co-operation’, this reflecting one of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. This provides an opportunity for NZ’s co-operatives to show how they run successful businesses while respecting and maintaining our natural environment and the resources that it offers, while also giving back to communities and providing social harmony along the way.

The United Nations has recognized New Zealand as one of the most co-operative economies in the world. Our co-ops and mutuals generate almost one-fifth of this country’s GDP, employ over 50,000 people and serve almost one-in-three Kiwis as members.

Cooperative Business New Zealand supports and promotes the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals, as we recognise that the co-operative business model is the most closely aligned towards supporting the UN in meeting these goals by 2030.

All of the goals are relevant to New Zealand and its people as we address social and economic inequalities and environmental issues at home.