Becoming a Fair Trade Community is a way to support and promote Fair Trade and be recognised for it
Becoming a Fair Trade Faith Group is a great way of acknowledging a commitment to Fair Trade. It also enables groups that are promoting Fair Trade to have their work recognised. Once receiving recognition, Fair Trade Communities also receive on-going support and updates from Fair Trade Communities New Zealand.
Requirements
The Fair Trade Communities Guidelines consist of minimum requirements, suggested initiatives and progress reporting.
Minimum requirements must be met in order for the community to receive its initial Fair Trade Communities recognition.
Suggested initiatives are not necessary for obtaining or maintaining recognition. However, the community is encouraged to pursue the additional suggestions as a means of broadening the influence of Fair Trade products and principles, as an organisation and within the broader community.
Fair Trade Faith Groups are encouraged to submit an annual update outlining the organisations Fair Trade activities and achievements.
Minimum requirements must be met in order for the community to receive its initial Fair Trade Communities recognition.
Suggested initiatives are not necessary for obtaining or maintaining recognition. However, the community is encouraged to pursue the additional suggestions as a means of broadening the influence of Fair Trade products and principles, as an organisation and within the broader community.
Fair Trade Faith Groups are encouraged to submit an annual update outlining the organisations Fair Trade activities and achievements.
Fair Trade Communities New Zealand recognises the following Fair Trade systems:

1. The World Fair Trade Organisation (WFTO).
WFTO members are accredited as Fair Trade Organisations and can be recognised by the WFTO logo. www.wfto.com

2. Fairtrade International.
Fairtrade International is responsible for setting product standards, Fairtrade Certification and labelling. www.fairtrade.net
Fairtrade ANZ licenses businesses in Australia and New Zealand to put the Fairtrade Certified™ mark on products that have been certified by Fairtrade International. www.fairtrade.org.nz
Fairtrade International is responsible for setting product standards, Fairtrade Certification and labelling. www.fairtrade.net
Fairtrade ANZ licenses businesses in Australia and New Zealand to put the Fairtrade Certified™ mark on products that have been certified by Fairtrade International. www.fairtrade.org.nz
Minimum Requirements:
- At least two Fair Trade products are used as part of the group’s activity. For example, Fair Trade tea and coffee must be served as the default option in kitchenettes, canteens, at meetings, after services, and at other events where tea and coffee are used; Fair Trade chocolate or hampers are used for fundraising and Fair Trade soap used in bathrooms.
- Fair Trade is promoted to members of the faith community. This should include:
(a) Use of Fair Trade promotional materials: Resources can be downloaded free of charge from Fair Trade Communities New Zealand website.
(b) At least one Fair Trade focused event is conducted by the Faith Group per year (suggested initiatives below). Photos, videos and information from these events can be provided to Fair Trade Communities New Zealand to be shared with our wider community.
Suggested Initiatives
- Hold a Fair Trade Service, bible studies, youth group activities focusing on fair trade.
- Hold a Fair Trade morning or high tea, Fashion show, Bake-off etc.
- Link in with your local Fair Trade Network’s Fair Trade Fortnight activity. Information on your local Network is available on Fair Trade Communities New Zealand website.
- The Faith Group endeavours to incorporate an increasing range of Fair Trade products into the organisation such as Fair Trade chocolate, clothing, stationery, sports balls, kitchen items, hand-crafts and home-wares from Fair Traders recognised by Fair Trade Communities New Zealand. Links to recommended Fair Traders can be provided by Fair Trade Communities New Zealand.
Reporting:
An annual update, outlining the organisation’s Fair Trade activities and achievements, including images and examples of media and marketing, is encouraged.
For Further Information
Please contact us