Co-op Leader Conversations

Listen as we explore lead indicators for cooperative success and failure; the role of a cooperative board in keeping focus; the differences in capital requirements of co-ops and investor owned firms and how to keep co-ops thriving for the coming decades.

Professor Fulton references his research paper published on the Centre for the Study of Co-operatives at the University of Saskatchewan, linked here 'When big co-ops fail'.

Also mentioned, Canadian co-op Federated Co-operatives Limited.

Listen as Cooperative Business NZ Emerging Leader of the Year 2024 Ashleigh Buchanan shares how she was motivated to join Southern Cross initially as a means to serve her community, how her role has evolved over time and how her progression into senior leadership roles has shaped her vision and approach as a leader.

In this episode we talk with MG (Market Gardeners Ldt) CEO Peter Hendry about the co-operative and, in particular, how they are navigating Covid-19 and ensuring they keep their shareholders engaged.

Sustainability is a key pillar for any co-operative. Mitre 10 has ensured this is front and centre for their co-operative with the implementation of their sustainability charter. Roz Henry speaks with Grant Fraser, Chief Legal and Property Office/Executive Sponsor for Sustainability, on the suite of initiatives they have implemented.

During the first few weeks of the August 2021 lockdown, we spoke with Rob Sharkie, Group CEO of Ruralco about the co-operative; the current challenges they face and how they're combating these; engagement with their customers/members; and how they are future proofing themselves (particular with Covid in the mix).

Ruralco has a long history of being experts in agriculture and ensuring NZ farming families have the services and solutions they need to excel. Rob has a wealth of knowledge around the sector and the key to a successful co-operative.

Listen to our conversation with Dr Harley Aish, Chair of ProCare Network Ltd about the co-operative, their role within the healthcare landscape of New Zealand, how they're tackling challenges (particularly Covid) head on, and how they keep their shareholders engaged.

Hear from Lindsay Esler who is currently working as CEO with New Zealand Truffle Association on the process of becoming a co-operative. Hear his vision for the co-operative, current challenges and collaboration opportunities, and words of wisdom for others in the co-operative start-up phase.

We sat down with Keith McLaughlin (Managing Director of Centrix) to discuss the importance of credit reports and the role they can play in a co-operative's operations.

Roz Henry discusses the importance of project portfolio governance with Chris Harrop, General Manager of Digital Transformation at Pareto Toolbox. They also touch on general digital transformation and supply chain topics relevant to co-operative business in particular.

In Episode 8 of the Co-op Leader Conversations, Roz sat down with David Chin, CEO of LIC (Livestock Improvement Corporation) to discuss everything about the benefits of being a co-operative, David’s journey into his current role, how intrinsic agri co-ops are to New Zealand’s economy and more.

David also touched on how LIC are future-proofing themselves, the importance they place on their people, how they keep their shareholders engaged and some of the key issues they’re currently tackling.