Wellington has proudly been a Fair Trade city since 2009, and was the first Fair Trade capital city in the Southern Hemisphere. This year’s Fair Trade Fortnight runs from Friday 6 May – Sunday 22 May, and Council staff are busy spreading the word.
"Wellington has always led the way in the practice of fair trade as sustainable business practices are a big part of our culture and economy,” says Mayor Wade-Brown.
“This contributes to the wellbeing of coffee, cocoa, tea, sugar and banana farmers, workers and their families in developing countries. It’s always great to indulge in a Fair Trade treat,” she adds.
The big event on the busy Fair Trade Fortnight calendar is the World Fair Trade Challenge on 13 – 15 May. Internationally, coffee breaks will take on more meaning as consumers drink Fair Trade certified coffee, and farmers get the support to mitigate the effects of climate change.
The Mayor and Council’s Environment Committee Chair, Councillor Iona Pannett, will be joining staff to serve Fair Trade coffee between 10am-12pm on Thursday 12 May in the Council reception area. Councillor Pannett says it’s a good opportunity to highlight the environmental importance of using Fair Trade products.
“Profits from Fair Trade purchases go back to the community to help them create new initiatives, develop technological ability and knowledge, and grow crops in the face of climate change and water shortages,” she says.
Paul Barber, Chair of Fair Trade City Wellington Trust, says Fair Trade in Wellington is thriving and this fortnight is a chance to celebrate that, to do more, and to get more people involved.
"There is a core group of businesses, organisations and individuals that are really committed to exploring and supporting ethical business practices such as fair trade in the Capital," says Paul.
"Some are well established and some are a result of the city's high level of engagement with Fair Trade. Among the more established businesses like Common Sense Organics and Trade Aid, we have seen new businesses and initiatives emerge such as the Wellington Chocolate Factory, Conscious Consumers, and Allgood Bananas.
“Fair Trade certified products are now much more widely available. Plus there are lots of Wellington workplaces, schools, child care centres, community and faith groups that are using Fair Trade products like tea and coffee to show their support for fair trade," he says.
Key events supported by Council during Fair Trade Fortnight include:
• Fair Trade Library Stall – 7 & 14 May, 11am–2pm
Come along and learn why Fair Trade is important and sample just how good Fair Trade products really are.
• The Council Fair Trade Coffee Break – 12 May, 10am–12pm
There will be a coffee/tea stall in the Council reception promoting Fair Trade products. Mayor Celia Wade-Brown and Councillor Pannett will be serving between 10:30am-11am.
• Fair Trade Business Talk – 18 May, 5:30-7:30pm (Sustainable Trust, 2 Forresters Lane)
Find out why businesses are part of the Fair Trade partnership.
• Fair Trade selfie competition (6-22 May)
Post a selfie with #fairtradewellington on Facebook with a Fair Trade product or in front of a Fair Trade organisation and go in the draw to win loads of awesome Fair Trade goodies.