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- 1. In 1. How did you end up becoming Chair of the Christchurch Trade Aid Trust? I started as a Volunteer Educator, speaking to community groups about how fair trade is changing the world. I was then asked to become a Trustee of the Christchurch Shop Trust, and when the Chair role became vacant I was honoured to be nominated. I am passionate about governance and especially getting younger people onto boards, so this has been a great journey. 2. For those unfamiliar with the inspiring Trade Aid, can you please explain the role of the organisation? Trade Aid is New Zealands pioneering social enterprise, founded in 1973 in Christchurch. Were improving the lives of talented artisans all over the world through fair trade. We import handmade crafts, homewares, and jewellery and sell them in our retail stores, which are owned by independent charitable trusts. Trade Aid also imports food products including raw coffee and cacao, and makes all our fair trade chocolate here in Christchurch. 3. What is it that you enjoy most about the role and the organisation? I recently discovered that my grandparents were involved with the beginnings of Trade Aid; helping Tibetan refugees in India export their traditional carpets. Its incredibly special to continue the family legacy and learn how fair trade contributes to economic empowerment. Closer to home Ive enjoyed overseeing the move of our shop back into the city. You can now find us in the Re:start mall close to where the Trade Aid shop on Cashel Street was for many years before the earthquakes. Its great to be part of the buzzing central city! 4. How unique is Trade Aid from other organisations of a similar ilk? There are now lots of awesome fair trade organisations in New Zealand. Trade Aid was the first, and were part of the World Fair Trade Organisation, which means we have to adhere to ten standards around equitable and environmentally friendly A life lived with authenticity of self and a will to always be curious and adventurous provides the perfect basis for a life less ordinary. Andrea Brewster is an incandescent example of this. Chair of the Christchurch Trade Aid Trust and a finalist in the Westpac Women of Influence Awards in the Young Leader category, she is an inspiring crusader for social change at grassroots and global levels. Aid Life of a less ordinary
- 2. practices in all aspects of our business. Theres more transparency and accountability than individual product labelling schemes, such as the Fairtrade label. 5. How do you balance the responsibilities of Trade Aid with your other work? I have another board role with Catapult Employment Services, which just won Champion Charity at the Canterbury business awards. Catapult supports disadvantaged Cantabrians into paid employment, provides career mapping and work-related anxiety counselling its another organisation making a big difference to peoples lives. This year Im participating in the Committee for Canterburys Future Canterbury leadership programme, working on a research project about freedom camping. And I have a real job too - communications advisor for the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet. Im very disciplined with my time and being focused on whatever Im doing in the present moment. My weeks often involve travel to multiple cities, long days, meetings before and after work, events and giving talks, and Ive had to become a morning person to fit in gym sessions! Staying fit helps - I have a great personal trainer who keeps me honest, and I love getting out in the hills to clear my head while trail running and ski touring. 6. Tell us about how your career has evolved in other areas Ive always worked in marketing and comms, starting in advertising agencies while researching my Honours thesis on Facebook marketing in small businesses. Last year I got the opportunity to work on comms and stakeholder engagement for the central city rebuild at CERA. That was a great professional challenge and I loved contributing to our new city it included highlights like the Bus Interchange opening and working with the SPECTRUM street art festival. Now at the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet I advise our leadership team on strategic communications projects, and manage internal communications. 7. What are some of your ultimate personal and professional ambitions? My goal is to create positive and lasting change and inspire people, and Id like to do that by eventually becoming a CEO and professional director. We need more women in leadership, and that change isnt happening fast enough so Im doing what I can. This year Ive had recognition from Women on Boards as a next generation leader, and its After travelling I always have a renewed appreciation for our relative political and economic stability, and our beautiful outdoor backyard which needs to be protected for everyone to enjoy. incredibly humbling to be a 2016 Women of Influence finalist. Im really proud to be part of this initiative and hope to continue the journey in many years to come. 8. What is some of the most inspiring travel you have done and how has this impacted your life in a personal and professional capacity? In my mid-teens my parents took us to India twice, including a visit to our World Vision sponsored child in rural Palassa. That showed me how lucky we are to live in New Zealand with access to education and choices, and has been a big influence on my involvement in social enterprises like Trade Aid. I recently returned from a month in South America for the Rio 2016 Olympics. That was an incredible experience and it highlighted how fortunate I am to be able to go on trips like that. After travelling I always have a renewed appreciation for our relative political and economic stability, and our beautiful outdoor backyard which needs to be protected for everyone to enjoy. 9. Who do you look to for guidance and advice around your career? Im lucky to have many amazing mentors who give me sage advice when I need it, and Im really grateful for the support Ive had from so many different people. This year Lisa-Marie Richan has been my formal mentor through the Future Canterbury leadership programme. Im also surrounded by fabulous strong women in my circle of peers and friends, who inspire me every day. 10. Favourite mantra? We all get the same 24 hours a day! An ecletic mix on offer at Trade Aid