10th August 2004
Big Business support Organics Business Cluster Forum
An Organic Forum for Business being held on Tuesday August 24th has got the interest of big business. The Organics
Sector is still one of the fastest growing sectors in New Zealand and a range of conventional and not-so conventional
businesses want to be a part of its success. The forum is seeing strong interest from companies such as Zespri,
Agriculture NZ, Fresh Direct, and FRENZ. Business large and small must collaborate if we are to truly win off this
current momentum. By working together organics has the potential to become a significant sector for the Auckland Region.
The Forum is being organised by the Sustainable Business Network with support from the Rodney District Council.
As with other business sectors throughout New Zealand clustering has proven to be a successful tool to enhance economic
growth, and has been supported by New Zealand Trade & Enterprise. Clustering achieves results by working cooperatively. Businesses involved in clustering are able to benefit
from sustainable economic growth by collectively solving sector issues, forming strategic alliances to gain
international markets and more.
The forum is asking support from business to be a part of developing the organics sector in Auckland as a key industry
for the region for it’s export potential and domestic markets, as well as for eco tourism and its wider role in
sustainable regional development. They plan to do this by developing an active network being called Organics Auckland
Business Cluster. The belief is that it will have a positive spin off through the whole supply chain, from packaging
through transport to the supermarket isles. The Organic Forum for Business will be opened by John Laws, Mayor of Rodney,
and include addresses from Jim Kebble owner Commonsense Organics, Jon Manhire CEO Organic Produce Exporter New Zealand
(OPENZ), Chris Morrision MD Phoenix Organics, Maureen Maxwell MD BeesOnline and more. The day will also have a strong
interactive discussion focus. The Forum promises to be an excellent event for anyone in the business community
interested in organics and its associated value chain.
For more information. For a copy of the proposed agenda, or to register to attend, please email
Juliana@sustainable.org.nz or call (09) 920 2404.
Venue: BeesOnline, 791 State Highway 16, Waimauku Date: Tuesday 24th August Time: 9:45 am – 3pm Investment: $60.00 incl
GST
SBN will also be organising a small trade display area to showcase any products and services involved in organics
throughout the Auckland region. Anyone wishing to have a display can contact SBN on the phone number above.
ENDS