Chelsea purchases bulk raw sugar globally, which is brought in by ship and processed and packaged at the Refinery. Sales offices and warehouses around the country aid in the distribution of 200,000 tonnes of sugar a year, supplying both retail and manufacturing markets. About 20% of Chelsea's total production is exported, mainly to Australia and the Pacific. New Zealand has a deregulated economy, hence it has no subsidies or import tariffs for sugar, so Chelsea operates entirely within the free market. Chelsea provide financial support and sponsorship for a variety of organisations and projects within the local community. They also provide funding for the Sugar Research Advisory Service, an independent organisation undertaking and reviewing research into sugar. Notes References Haddon, Kathy; Birkenhead: The Way We Were Auckland, NZ: Birkenhead Library, North Shore City Council, 1993. Howells, Shelley; "Pretty in Pink", New Zealand Heritage, New Zealand Historic Places Trust: Issue 103, Summer 2006. online version Luke, Peter; Sugar Workers, Sugar Town : An Oral History of Chelsea Sugar Refinery, 1884–1984. Auckland, N.Z. : New Zealand Sugar Company Limited, 1984. McClure, Margaret; The Story of Birkenhead. Auckland, NZ: Birkenhead City Council 1987. External links New Zealand Sugar Company Limited Chelsea Sugar Chelsea Bay Sugar Research Advisory Service Chelsea Archives Collection Photographs of Chelsea Sugar Refinery held in Auckland Libraries' heritage collections. Buildings and structures in Auckland Heritage New Zealand Category 1 historic places in the Auckland Region Food manufacturers of New Zealand Sugar refineries History of Auckland Ports and harbours of New Zealand North Shore, New Zealand 1880s architecture in New Zealand Manufacturing companies based in Auckland Food and drink companies based in Auckland New Zealand brands Waitematā Harbour