Trade Aid Dunedin and Fair Trade Fortnight

Design Studies has had an ongoing relationship with the Trade Aid shop in Dunedin and with the Fair Trade movement generally, through our courses, students projects, and related efforts. Julia Campbell, the Auckland-based coordinator of the educational and community efforts for the Fair Trade Association of Australia and New Zealand, discussed the association when she was in town last year. Otago students have shown their interest in the movement, and two students created a blog about Fair Trade in Dunedin last year. The Department of Design Studies became a Fair Trade Workplace in October 2009. Dunedin became the first Fair Trade city in New Zealand (actually, we tied with Wellington) in December 2009. The campaign to make the University of Otago a Fair Trade University continues.

Dave Butler-Peck, the assistant manager of Trade Aid Dunedin, is a well-informed and enthusiastic advocate for Fair Trade, and he has contributed to Design Studies classes and projects in the past. Here is the latest local news from Dave (sent on 12 April):

“With only three more days until Trade Aid closes for a complete refit, head down now to pick up a few bargains! More information on Fair Trade Fortnight in Dunedin to follow soon, running from the 1st to 15th May across New Zealand:

Saturday 1st May – Celebrate the new look Trade Aid with live music, free coffee, yummy chocolate, prize draws, face painting, jewellery making and more. Head down to 133 George Street from 10am to 4pm for a fair trade celebration for all the family!

Monday 3rd May – Hear the fair trade pioneer, Meera Bhatterai, talk about her amazing work in Nepal over the past 25 years. Driven by the hopes and dreams of her fellow women, Meera started the Association for Craft Producers (ACP) in 1984 at the age of just 30. From its humble beginnings, ACP has grown to over 1,200 artisans and 60 full-time staff members, exporting to more than 18 countries throughout the world, including Trade Aid here in New Zealand. To be held at the Academy Cinema at 50 Dundas Street from 5.10pm to 6.00pm and repeated from 6.40pm to 7.30pm, with free fair trade coffee, chocolate and refreshments in between.

Saturday 8th, Sunday 9th, Saturday 15th & Sunday 19th May – Watch this space for more details of the 4th annual Fair Trade & Environmental Film Festival, in association with Forest & Bird. With 8 films over 4 nights for just $5 each, including free fair trade coffee and chocolate, we look forward to packing out the Academy Cinema at 50 Dundas Street once more!

Hope to see you at some or all of the events!”