Wednesday 23 October 2013 2:37pm
The University of Otago announced today that it has been granted Fairtrade accreditation. Otago is the first New Zealand university to gain accreditation and will join more than 100 other universities around the world that have become Fairtrade institutions.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne congratulated staff and students on the accreditation.
“The Fairtrade ethos fits well with our strategic plan and there is no doubt that Fairtrade is a positive and growing movement. It is proof that we act in an ethically, socially and environmentally responsible manner.
“I am proud of the effort staff and students have gone to make this happen and look forward to a long and meaningful association with Fairtrade. We now have Fairtrade products available at all seven outlets on campus and 90 per cent of residential students have access to Fairtrade products in their colleges,” says Professor Hayne.
OUSA acknowledged the work that has gone into achieving accreditation.
“The students have been huge supporters of the move with an OUSA referendum giving OUSA the direction to push forward and work with the University to reach the goal of becoming Fairtrade certified,” says Lucy Gaudin, OUSA Fairtrade Officer.
“Students feel strongly about the benefits this brings to Fairtrade suppliers, their families and their countries. We’re ecstatic with the announcement and we’re thankful for what it means for the University, our students and those given an opportunity by being a part of Fairtrade.”
A list of Otago experts available for media comment is available elsewhere on this website.
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