Today alone 50,000 people have died due to poverty related causes. Yet everyday there are one billion people who live on less than US$1 per day. At least another 2 billion are on less than US$2 per day. Rather a concerning reality given that the United Nations estimates that unfair trade rules alone deny poor countries US$700 billion every year (that's US$2 billion per day). However there are ways to change this situation and this responsibility falls on not only consumers but the retailers.

Fair trade provides an alternative. It is a trading partnership, based on communication, transparency and respect, that seeks greater equality in international trade. It enables marginalised producers and workers to alleviate their current poverty, improve their lives and the generations to come. There is a clear commitment to equality through non-discrimination, fair wages and decent working conditions. Also a focus for the future with sustainability and capacity building an important aspect of the movement.

Therefore we, the undersigned, urge the retailers of the Hutt City region to proactively and explicitly stock a range of Fairtrade Certified products.