"The underpinning ideas are the same. It's knowing where things come from, it's traceability ... It's the gate to plate concept that farmers understand," she said. While the agenda item passed unanimously, not all councillors were as enamoured with the idea as Ms Cutforth. Councillor Phil Halse said he was reluctant to see Fair Trade become part of Whangarei's "brand" without public consultation, while councillor John Williamson said "charity starts at home".
He said there had not been a "tsunami" of support for Fair Trade during the two-year campaign which had included consultation with businesses and community organisations; the petition; and submissions to the council.
"I don't think we should declare that this is now a Fair Trade District on behalf of 85,000 residents," he said.
Mr Williamson said he would prefer an "eco-city" concept which celebrated Whangarei's GE-free, smoke-free and child-friendly aspects, when these were achieved.
But councillor Crichton Christie said the move showed Whangarei "leading the way".
"If every district got there, it may affect the way the Government does its trade agreements. You have to support it on that principle alone," he said.
The WDC would now apply to the certifying body for Fair Trade District status, which councillors expected to be successful.