Partner with UnionAID
Building solidarity for a better world through effective partnerships that advance labour rights, decent work, social justice, and democracy.
Our partnership philosophy
At UnionAID, we believe in the power of international solidarity to drive positive change. Our vision is for workers and communities across Asia and the Pacific to thrive through enhanced labour rights, decent work, social justice, and democracy.
Our mission is to support partners in:
Building capacity
Strengthening worker organisations to effectively advocate for their rights and interests.
Advancing labour rights
Securing decent work, fair pay, and safe working conditions for all workers.
Promoting equality
Ensuring gender equality and inclusive democratic processes for sustainable development.
Our core values: Ngā Mātāpono
Our work is guided by these fundamental principles:
Kotahitanga (unity/collective action)
We build partnerships that encourage collective action, pursue consensus decision-making, and enable capacity building to achieve common goals.
Manaakitanga (care/respect)
We uphold human rights and champion labour rights, ensuring respect and dignity.
Tika (right/justice)
We uphold the principles of fairness and justice, including our Code of Ethics, in all our work.
Toitū te mahi (sustainable work)
We promote the four principles of sustainability: human, environmental, social, and economic, in our projects and partnerships.
Principles of effective partnership
Effective development partnerships are the cornerstone of our work. We believe they are built upon:
Sound social analysis
A strong understanding of the context in which our partner organisations operate.
Common vision and purpose
Clearly articulated goals that both parties are committed to achieving.
Complementary strengths
Leveraging the unique strengths and expertise of both UnionAID and our partners.
Equality and autonomy
A sense of equality in the relationship, respecting each other’s capacities and autonomy within the partnership.
Shared responsibility
Clear understanding of roles and mutual accountability.
Open dialogue and trust
Continuous listening, learning, and joint decision-making through open communication.
Long-term commitment
A dedication to enduring relationships that foster sustainable change.
Who we partner with
We prioritise partnerships with small-scale worker organisations and trade unions in South East Asia and the Pacific, with whom UnionAID or the NZCTU or its affiliates already have a well-established and trusting relationship. We may also consider strategic partnerships outside these regions on an exceptional basis where they are relevant to New Zealand workers.
Partner organisation criteria
- Share similar values and have a development approach consistent with UnionAID
- Have adequate project management skills, including financial management and monitoring procedures
- Are willing and able to fulfil the conditions of the standard UnionAID partnership contract
- Where possible, have legal registration and a recognised structure with a functioning Board
- Can report in English and communicate via accessible channels
- Have a proven track record or capacity to implement feasible projects
- Operate as a non-profit entity within their country’s law
Project funding criteria
- Works to end exploitative situations for working people and relieve poverty
- Addresses workers’ rights in countries that manufacture goods imported to New Zealand
- Addresses sectors where modern slavery conditions are likely to exist
- Contributes to the development of trade unions and education for working people
- Promotes the Decent Work agenda
- Responds to identified needs, especially for marginalised communities
- Promotes gender equality and delivers sustainable improvements
Selection priorities
In applying the criteria, priority is given, where possible, to small-scale worker organising activities in Asia Pacific countries, including:
- Projects that link products or services imported into New Zealand to possibly exploitative conditions, where targeted support can catalyse worker organising and union development.
- Projects in sectors where modern slavery conditions are likely to exist, where catalytic organising can be scaled by larger donors.
How we partner: From proposal to implementation
Concept note submission
Potential partners submit a brief concept note outlining their organisation and proposed project. Once received, it is referred to the Union Project Committee, which assesses the note against our partner and project criteria.
Full proposal invitation
If the concept note meets our basic criteria, you may be invited to submit a full proposal that includes:
- Clear objectives and outputs
- A detailed timeline and fully costed workplan
- A comprehensive risk assessment
- A monitoring and evaluation plan including outcome indicators
- Information on anticipated impacts on the environment, gender equity and the community
Partnership agreement
If approved for funding, UnionAID will prepare a partnership agreement setting out roles and responsibilities, funding arrangements and disbursement schedule, reporting requirements, and other conditions. Funds are paid according to the agreement.
Communication, monitoring and reporting
- Regular online check-ins: We maintain ongoing dialogue through informal online check-ins via platforms such as WhatsApp, Signal, Zoom or e-mail.
- Reporting as scheduled: Reporting requirements are proportionate to the scale, complexity and risk of the project.
- Oversight and learning: The Union Coordinator coordinates monitoring and reports back to the Union Project Committee.
Project close-out
On completion, partners submit a full and final report with a comprehensive evaluation of outcomes, financial statements, and expenditure records. Any uncommitted funds must be refunded according to the agreement. Partners may be invited to attend a meeting with UnionAID to discuss outcomes and learning with stakeholders.
Get started
To explore a partnership or ask questions, please contact us:
Email: admin@unionaid.org.nz
Download Concept Note Template Submit OnlineWhat to expect after you apply
Meeting schedule: The Union Project Committee meets on the last Thursday of every month.
Timeframes: From initial submission to formal approval generally takes a minimum of several months, due to monthly meeting cycles, due diligence and contracting steps.