Entries Open For 2025 Sustainable Business Awards
Rachel Brown ONZM, CEO and founder of the Sustainable Business Network, which runs the Awards, says: 'For more than two decades, these awards have recognised people and organisations leading the charge.
'Sustainability alone isn't enough – and that's why these Awards have evolved to showcase those driving bold action and groundbreaking innovation.
'We're looking for a rich diversity of entrants – not just across sectors like construction, energy, food and mobility, but in the way organisations approach sustainability,' she says.
'That includes a range of business models and the integration of te ao Māori perspectives. We need to support sustainable innovators to help them grow and inspire others.'
NZI, the Principal Partner of the Sustainable Business Awards, is dedicated to building a prosperous, sustainable Aotearoa New Zealand.
Garry Taylor, NZI executive general manager, says: 'NZI is proud to support emerging leaders and solutions that showcase the very best in sustainable innovation'.
Finalists of the Sustainable Business Awards form the 'Next' list – an annual list of innovators, entrepreneurs, projects and organisations leading us towards a better future. In 2024, there were 95 organisations and people on the list (the 'Next 95'), selected by a panel of independent judges.
Rachel says those on the Next list are bringing potentially groundbreaking new ideas across multiple sectors: 'Anyone can have the chance to get on the coveted Next list, or even win, and one simple entry form is all it takes!'
The Award categories are:
Disruptive Innovation – groundbreaking products, services, technologies or business models designed with sustainability and circular economy principles at their core.
Transformational Leadership – visionary leaders (individuals or teams) championing long-term, transformational changes towards a regenerative circular economy.
Entries close on 27 June 2025. The winners will be announced at a celebration in November.
To find out more, or to enter the Sustainable Business Awards, go to www.sustainable.org.nz/sustainable-business-awards.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scoop
4 days ago
- Scoop
Million Tree Milestone Seeds New Nature Initiative
The Sustainable Business Network (SBN) is celebrating the planting of one million native plants and trees as it launches a nationwide initiative to boost nature regeneration. Over the past decade, Aotearoa New Zealand's largest sustainable business organisation has supported more than 70 community-led nature projects. Together, those projects have planted more than a million native plants and trees. 'We're thrilled to hit this important milestone. It represents a massive amount of work by thousands of people, many who have volunteered their time, to help regenerate nature in Aotearoa New Zealand,' says Stephanie Vercoe, SBN's Regenerate Nature Team Lead. 'We started our Million Metres Streams project 10 years ago. The aim was to plant a million metres of New Zealand waterways with native plants and trees. Since the trees are planted on average a metre apart, we're celebrating achieving our original goal.' One of the groups that has benefitted from SBN's help is WAI Wānaka. The non-profit community organisation is accelerating local action for freshwater and healthy ecosystems across the Upper Clutha River region. 'Since partnering with SBN in 2017, the funds we've received have helped us secure vital resources for both our rural and urban communities,' says WAI Wānaka CEO Cat Dillon. 'This money has gone towards native planting initiatives that help to restore biodiversity and improve the health of our freshwater." Stephanie says business support is vital to halt and reverse the biodiversity crisis. 'That's why we're launching our Connect for Nature initiative – to make it even easier for businesses to get involved in meaningful nature regeneration.' Aotearoa New Zealand has one of the highest proportions of threatened indigenous species in the world. According to the Department of Conservation more than 4,000 native species are either threatened or at risk of extinction. Connect for Nature directly addresses this crisis by linking businesses wanting to support nature projects with trusted community groups already doing the mahi (work) on the ground. 'Businesses have a wealth of resources they can offer – from staff time and expertise to materials, equipment and logistical support. These contributions help community groups and iwi-led initiatives stretch their capacity and achieve greater impact on the ground. The main focus is on making it easy for businesses to get hands-on with nature regeneration through staff volunteering.' Volunteer activities include native planting, habitat restoration, litter cleanups, pest control, site maintenance and learning-focused workshops. Businesses can also help with resources including equipment, access to land, knowledge, finance, communication capabilities, connections or opportunities for skill development. 'By getting more businesses involved, we can really increase the impact of community and iwi-led projects around the country,' says Stephanie. 'Through our programme, businesses get to support biodiversity and ecosystem health. They also build deeper relationships with communities, enhance staff engagement and demonstrate meaningful action on sustainability. The Connect for Nature launch coincides with preparations for SBN's second Nature & Business Symposium on 6 August, focused on helping businesses take practical action for nature. Notes: The Sustainable Business Network (SBN) is Aotearoa New Zealand's largest sustainable business organisation, representing a diverse cross-section of the business and sustainability communities. We're at the forefront of change, driven by a vision of a world where people and nature prosper. We provide the tools, knowledge and connections needed to accelerate the shift to a sustainable future. Download before and after photos of Wai Wānaka's Penrith wetlands regeneration project.
Scoop
06-07-2025
- Scoop
Petdirect Named On 2025 Best Places To Work™ Awards Shortlist
Press Release: Petdirect Petdirect, New Zealand's number one Kiwi-owned pet supply retailer, has been named on the 2025 Best Places to Work™ Awards shortlist, recognising its standout culture, strong leadership and people-first approach. Launched in March 2020, Petdirect has grown rapidly to become a category leader in the pet speciality space. In just five years, the business has scaled to over 100 employees, operates distribution centres in Auckland and Christchurch, and now has a growing physical retail presence. Its first store opened in Takapuna in late 2024, with two new locations in Mt Roskill, Auckland and Tower Junction, Christchurch set to open in the coming months. More stores are planned as part of Petdirect's national expansion. What Makes Petdirect a Best Place to Work People-First Culture: 88 percent of team members say they feel connected to and supported by their immediate colleagues, and over 93 percent feel supported by their manager. Employees consistently highlight a sense of trust, collaboration, and genuine care across all levels of the business. Clear Purpose and Shared Values: A remarkable 93 percent of team members say they understand how their work connects to Petdirect's broader mission — to make life better for pets and the people who love them. More than 86 percent say they see the company's values being lived every day. Growth and Innovation: 84 percent of the team feel encouraged to explore better ways of doing things, and employees speak positively about the abundance of opportunities to grow, contribute ideas, and make a meaningful impact. Wellbeing and Flexibility: From autonomy in daily work, to fully stocked kitchen pantries and wellness allowances, Petdirect puts real action behind its belief in supporting the whole person, not just the job title. A Culture of Recognition: Over 77 percent of employees say they are regularly recognised for their contributions. With initiatives ranging from shout-outs to performance rewards and team celebrations, recognition is part of the company's everyday rhythm. "We are proud of the culture we are building," says Dave Anderson, CEO of Petdirect. "Being shortlisted is a moment of real pride and a reflection of the talented, passionate team behind everything we do." "We've worked hard to create a workplace where people feel supported, valued and excited to grow," adds Brooke Riley, Head of People and Culture. "Our people are the heart of Petdirect, and this recognition proves we're on the right track." The Petdirect Difference Whether it's free snacks and pet-friendly offices, or approachable leadership and a strong focus on mental wellbeing, Petdirect stands out for putting employee experience at the centre of its strategy. One survey respondent shared: 'The culture is unmatched - it's like one big family. We support and celebrate each other, and our leaders genuinely care.' With continued investment in leadership development, digital skills, and team connection across its growing store and distribution network, Petdirect is proving that a high-growth business can still be a great place to work. A Customer-Led, Innovative Future Petdirect's purpose is simple: to make life better for pets and the people who love them. From personalised advice to a wide range of trusted products, everything the business does is designed to support healthier, happier pet lives. Petdirect also supports several national and community-based charities, including the SPCA, Saving Hope Foundation and Save the Kiwi, with regular product donations and awareness initiatives. Customers can access expert guidance every step of the way, from nutrition to supplements and beyond. Petdirect offers more than 100 expert-authored blogs, personalised recommendations based on pet profiles, and complimentary 15-minute bookings with its in-house Pet Expert Team to help customers make confident, informed choices. These services sit alongside a growing range of digital tools, including a mobile app, flexible Autodeliver subscription options and Airpoints rewards. Winners of the Best Places to Work Awards will be announced later this year.
Scoop
26-06-2025
- Scoop
Double Bonus For City Rail Link's 'Amazing Achievement'
Press Release – City Rail Link Shifting the bar higher for New Zealand's infrastructure industry has delivered a double bonus for Auckland's game-changing City Rail Link (CRL). The project has received two top-tier leading ratings from the Australian-based Infrastructure Sustainability Council (ISC): An As-Built leading rating specifically for the design and construction of its main C3 tunnels and stations contract delivered by Link Alliance covering the work to build the Te Waihorotiu, Karanga-a-Hape and Maungawhau Stations, including its use of a tunnel boring machine between Maungawhau and Te Waihorotiu. An As-Built leading rating for the overall CRL project covering the design and construction of C1, C2 and C3 contracts – CRL's entire 3.45 kilometres route of tunnels and stations. The CRL is now the first project to be awarded ISC's Leading IS (Mahi Rauora Aratohu version 1) As Built programme rating overall. The entire CRL project—from Waitematā to Maungawhau – is now officially recognised as meeting the highest sustainability standards ever awarded on either side of the Tasman. ISC Chief Executive, Toby Kent, praised the CRL team's 'amazing achievement' and its commitment to the practice of sustainability. 'The ISC is proud to see New Zealand's biggest transport infrastructure project adopt sustainability into the DNA of its operations. This has been an amazing achievement and demonstrates the overwhelmingly positive social, economic and environmental good that is possible to achieve through an IS Rating,' Mr Kent says. CRL Ltd Chief Executive, Patrick Brockie, says the Council's independent assessment is a powerful endorsement of the values and hard mahi adopted and demonstrated by the project, contractors and subcontractors from day one. 'Success for CRL Ltd and our Link Alliance delivery partner is testament to the passion, commitment, and tenacity of the many talented people who have delivered a project that is not just good for Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, but good for the sector, shifting the needle on how we integrate sustainability, environment, social outcomes and culture into large scale infrastructure projects,' says Mr Brockie. The Infrastructure Sustainability Council praised the commitment by CRL Ltd, Link Alliance and mana whenua to imbed Māori cultural values in the project's design, and deliver positive social outcomes for Māori, Pasifika and rangatahi (youth) by creating employment and training opportunities and supporting Māori and Pasifika businesses with supply chain opportunities. 'Te Ao Māori has environmental sustainability at its very core,' says Edith Tuhimata from the project's Mana Whenua Forum, 'and we have an inherent responsibility to future generations for the way we conduct our businesses and the impacts that has on the environment and the people, if we take care of the Taiao (environment), the Taiao will take care of us. Mana Whenua bring a holistic approach to the CRL project to ensure whakapapa links are acknowledged and the best practical environmental, sustainable, social and cultural outcomes are achieved.' Alongside positive social outcomes, the ISC was impressed by CRL's protection of the environment: substantially reducing the project's carbon footprint; savings around the use of construction and operational energy; more efficient use of water and materials; a dramatic reduction in waste earmarked for landfill; use of high-tech computer technology to help produce more efficient design and construction methodology. Link Alliance Project Director Jean-Philippe Guillemenot says: 'We're proud of the environmental, social, cultural and economic outcomes achieved. The innovations developed by the team has left a legacy, many sustainability firsts for New Zealand, and new benchmarks for future infrastructure projects.' Mr Brockie added that once operational in 2026, CRL will give Aucklanders more sustainable transport choices. 'We are determined to leave Auckland a better place than when we started construction and our success with the two Infrastructure Sustainability Council leading ratings certainly demonstrates that we are on the right track,' Mr Brockie says. The contracts included in the ISC leading ratings are:
