VIP LOUNGE

If there’s one thing I like, it’s fairness – and Fair Trade is a great way to say ‘thank you’ to the poor nations of the world for all the wonderful things we buy from them.

The rival cities of Wellington and Dunedin were announced as the country’s first fair trade cities by the Fair Trade Association of Australia and New Zealand (FTAANZ) earlier this month.

Dunedin was awarded a giant certificate by the New Zealand Fair Trade Association in a special ceremony in the city centre on Monday, celebrating the city’s new status as a certified Fair Trade city. Wellington was simultaneously awarded status with Dunedin by FTAANZ, but as Mayor Peter Chin said after receiving the award: “In my mind, Dunedin was first…they [Wellington] were passed after we knew Dunedin had complied with all the requirements.” Wellington shouldn’t be miffed, though – it’s still the first Fair Trade capital in the world!

When cities get behind a movement, great things can happen! Dunedin has 10 Fair Trade schools, more than any other region of New Zealand, and the business community has really listened to the message, with many of my favourite coffee spots taking up the challenge! Lots of businesses have opted for Fair Trade as well, while Tomahawk School is going through a process to win the Guinness World Record for the smallest Fair Trade school.

Why has Dunedin embraced Fair Trade so enthusiastically? Well, it might be the large student population, or it could be that Dunedin, with its strong roots in Scotland and the Presbyterian Church, just has more fair people! Whatever it is, congratulations, Dunedin…you’re standing up for what you believe in!