Dunedin looks set to become New Zealand's first fair trade city, after a vote to go ahead with the proposal yesterday.
The decision means the council can apply to the Fair Trade Association of Australia and New Zealand (FTAANZ) for fair trade city status.
Cr Fliss Butcher, who has been pushing for the idea for some time, said yesterday she expected that status to be approved quickly.
The only other city in New Zealand to have agreed to apply, Wellington, is understood to be some way behind Dunedin on working towards accreditation.
The fair trade movement began in the United Kingdom, where many cities are registered.
Fair trade cities commit to using and selling fairly traded products, and having fair trade products available.
The idea is to commit to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to marginalised producers and workers.
Cr Fliss Butcher, who along with Cr Dave Cull and council staff will be on a working party charged with ensuring FTAANZ requirements were met, said the move was not tokenism.
"It's an awareness raising commitment that this council can do to try to solve world poverty."
"That's really cool."
The council had to complete five milestones before fair trade city status could be sought, including convening a steering committee to ensure commitment; having at least two fair trade products available in retail outlets, and gaining support from local workplaces and community organisations.
It was also required to vote for a resolution to support fair trade, and have two fair trade options served in meetings, offices and tearooms, usually tea and coffee.
