Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jul 9, 2026

Trade Aid

Trade Aid a is New Zealand fair trade organisation established in 1973. The charity aims to build just and sustainable communities around the globe through fair trade. It sources ethical supply chains and imports coffee, chocolate and crafts from impoverish farmers and artisans.

Last revised
Jul 9, 2026
Read time
≈ 1 min
Length
311 w
Citations
12
Source
Wikipedia ↗
Trade Aid
Formation1973 (1973)
TypeFair trade, non-government organization
Legal statusCharity
HeadquartersChristchurch, New Zealand
Websitehttps://www.tradeaid.org.nz/

Trade Aid a is New Zealand fair trade organisation established in 1973.12 The charity3 aims to build just and sustainable communities around the globe through fair trade.1 It sources ethical supply chains and imports coffee, chocolate and crafts from impoverish farmers and artisans.4

The organisation was founded by Christchurch couple Vi and Richard Cottrell.12 Until 2025, it sold crafts and food items in 29 Trade Aid stores, as well as coffee roasteries, cafes and supermarkets throughout New Zealand;1 however, to protect its long-term sustainability, it shifted to wholesale and online sales.56 The factory in New Zealand that produced fair trade organic chocolate shut down, after facing competition from corporate chocolate manufacturers.7

CORSO was a strong supporter of Trade Aid.1 Trade Aid's goals align with other New Zealand community organisation, including Citizens Advice Bureau New Zealand and Volunteer Service Abroad – Te Tūao Tāwāhi (VSA).

References

References

  1. Blundell, Sally (2013). Ground Change: the story of Trade Aid. Nelson: Craig Potton Publishing. pp. 6–7, 24, 31. ISBN 978-1-877517-48-8.
  2. NZ Herald (22 March 2024). "Trade Aid to close stores: Business to focus on import, wholesale and online sales". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 20 May 2025.
  3. New Zealand Charities Register. "Charity Summary – Trade Aid New Zealand Incorporated". Department of Internal Affairs. Retrieved 19 April 2025.
  4. McClure, Tess (6 August 2014). "Trade Aid makes chocolate in NZ". Stuff News. Retrieved 19 April 2025.
  5. Dong, Irene (22 March 2024). "End of an era: Trade Aid to close all stores". Inside Retail. Retrieved 19 April 2025.
  6. Radio New Zealand (22 March 2024). "Cost-of-living crisis causes Trade Aid to close stores, move online". RNZ. Retrieved 20 May 2025.
  7. Croad, Maddy (31 March 2025). "The chocolate crash: Why one beloved factory is being forced to close". Sunday Star Times. Retrieved 16 April 2025.