Fair trade and social responsibility are CommonSense
Fair trade is an alternative model of international trade.
The aim of fair trade is to share the benefits of trade more equitably between consumers, producers and the environment. It is about better prices, decent working conditions, local sustainability and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in the developing world. It is also about being socially responsible.
Fair trade guarantees a better deal for producers in the developing world through:
- A fair and stable price for their product
- Long term trading relations and advance payments
- Investment in local community development
- Support in gaining knowledge and skills that are needed to operate in the global market
- Environmentally sustainable farming methods
What does fair trade mean to the local farmer in Aotearoa, New Zealand?
We supply and purchase quality local produce.
We buy local produce to support our local industry, and we pay a respectful price. The purchasing power of major food retailers means that sometimes this does not happen. A great local story about this was shown on Country Calender. Buy New Zealand Made!
- Search our online store for New Zealand made products
- Watch the Country Calender episode about local Farmers Markets
- Read more about our Suppliers
Fair trade on a global scale
Fair trade means just that, “fairly traded”.
Farmers everywhere should be paid a fair price for their labor and products. We stock international products that are certified fair trade such as coffee, sugar, chocolate, cocoa, rice, spices and tea.
If you see the FT symbol next to a product; this stands for "fair trade".
Fair trade organisations that we support
- Fairtrade and all certifications accepted by the Fairtrade Labelling Organisation
- Products made by members of the International Federation of Alternative Marketing (Trade Aid)
- Hand in Hand (Rapunzel Products)
- Products labeled fair trade by Loving Earth.
Fair trade on a local and global scale
Good Cotton People
We are proud wearers of the Kowtow range of clothing for our staff uniform. They use fair trade materials, sustainable practices and work locally. We are one of their many Good Cotton People.
Fair trade fortnight
Fair Trade Fortnight happens every year in May
During Fair Trade Fortnight our fair trade products are show-cased with educational information about fair trade. We have sponsored a Fair Trade Buying Guide to help you make informed consumer choices. Buying one cup of coffee really does makes a difference- if it is fair trade.
Every day should be a fair trade day
Our commitment to fair trade means acknowledging that our business is interdependent with our customers, our staff, our suppliers, our local community, Aotearoa, New Zealand and the rest of the world. To have a healthy sustainable business we respect each link of that chain. When we are dealing with staff and suppliers in this country or overseas, we have a responsibility to deal fairly with everyone in each part of the trading process.
You can read more about fair trade below and download our buying guide for the Wellington Region.
- Fair Trade & Organics (PDF 1.3 MB)
- Buying Fair Trade In & Around The Greater Wellington Region 2011 (PDF 1.07 MB)
