BNZ becomes biggest New Zealand Fair Trade Workplace

In the biggest swap so far in New Zealand, BNZ have just received accreditation as a Fair Trade Workplace. The bank now becomes the largest such workplace in the country.

As part of the move to become a Fair Trade Workplace BNZ has swapped all tea and caffeinated coffee to Fairtrade Certified products. It is estimated that the BNZ staff consume more than one million cups of tea and coffee each year.

Brett Francis, Sourcing and Procurement Manager at BNZ, explains that “BNZ are proud to have made the swap to Fairtrade because we know it is a tangible way of adhering to our values as a business.”

Already we have received a great response from our staff who are incredibly supportive of the initiative,” he said.

All tea and coffee except decaf will be replaced with Fairtrade Certified products in all BNZ buildings and stores. Additionally, all coffee machines throughout the bank will be stocked with Fairtrade product.

The bank hopes the change will drive awareness of Fairtrade amongst staff and that they may buy fair trade products outside of work.

Becoming a Fair Trade Workplace is possible for all organisations All they must do is use Fairtrade Certified products and promote fair trade. 

As well as encouraging businesses to become Fair Trade Workplaces, FTAANZ is keen to persuade companies to swap entire lines to Fairtrade products.  The range is on the increase, with Fairtrade tea, coffee, bananas, chocolate and cotton now available. Demand for these products continues to rise.

Let’s hope that more organisations will follow BNZ this Fair Trade Fortnight and make The Big Swap to Fairtrade.