Foodstuffs North Island has been recognised with a prestigious National Diversity Award, reflecting its commitment to empowering young voices within its co-operative and fostering an inclusive leadership culture.  Additionally, the co-op was a finalist for the Impact Award, recognising the significant impact being made through its social supermarket programme.

The initiative that earned the accolade for the 100% New Zealand owned supermarket co-operative, is the Future Leaders Advocacy Group (FLAG), which was established in 2019. FLAG was created to ensure diverse perspectives, particularly from younger team members, are represented at the highest levels of decision-making within the co-operative.

Chris Quin, Chief Executive of Foodstuffs North Island said: “In 2019, we recognised the need to bring diverse thinking that represents our team and customers to our senior leadership and Board to ensure our co-operative thrives into the future.  FLAG represents our customers of the future, their changing shopping behaviours, and what future generations need from our business to ensure we’re successful for years to come. It challenges the status quo and brings diverse thought on key strategic and non-strategic issues facing our co-operative, our stores and our industry.”

Inclusion Manager José Taiapa highlighted the unique nature of FLAG, noting that more than a quarter of Foodstuffs North Islands’ workforce is under 30, a group that typically lacks a voice at senior levels.  Taiapa explained: “Globally, the average age of a C-suite member is 56. These are the people who are making critical strategic decisions, and their views may not always align with the views of younger generations.”

The FLAG initiative is a self-governing body of nine to 14 Foodies under 35 years of age, representing various teams from the support centre, stores and supply chain. The group is sponsored by the Chief Executive and provides direct input to the Board and senior leadership on various issues. FLAG members also receive one-on-one mentoring from senior leaders, along with opportunities for training and development.

FLAG has played a role in shaping key policies and initiatives, including parental leave, sustainability practices and youth career development while also driving its own projects.

Ruawai Te Rata, Emerging Talent Manager and former FLAG member said: “Being part of FLAG gave me opportunities I never thought I’d get. As a young person in a large organisation, there aren’t many opportunities to see the inner workings of senior decision-making and have one-on-one relationships with executive team members. I believe FLAG played a critical part in accelerating my career.”

Foodstuffs North Island was also a finalist for the Impact Award, recognising the impact being made through its social supermarket programme. By partnering with community organisations to set up social supermarkets, and providing ongoing support, Foodstuffs is giving mana to people facing food insecurity.  This initiative not only supports whānau but also contributes positively to local communities.

The Diversity Awards recognised Foodstuffs North Island's commitment to diversity, inclusion, and social responsibility. Foodstuffs North Island is a co-op that authentically reflects and serves Aotearoa’s communities, welcomes courageous behaviour, encourages togetherness and inspire its people to be uniquely themselves. Most importantly, it celebrates its people – its taonga.