Pictured above: The 2024 Sustainable Business Awards held at Brad’s Warehouse in Auckland’s CBD.
Entries are now open for the 2025 Sustainable Business Awards – New Zealand’s pre-eminent sustainability awards, which are now in their 23rd year.
The annual awards, run by the Sustainable Business Network (SBN), are free to enter and open to individuals, teams, and organisations from all sectors.
“For more than two decades, these awards have recognised people and organisations leading the charge,” says Rachel Brown ONZM, CEO and Founder of the Sustainable Business Network.
But as sustainability efforts mature, the awards have evolved beyond recognising good intentions. “Sustainability alone isn’t enough – and that’s why these Awards have evolved to showcase those driving bold action and groundbreaking innovation,” says Brown.
She is encouraging a wide range of entrants from across industries – including construction, energy, food, mobility and beyond – and notes the growing importance of diversity in business models and the integration of te ao Māori principles.
“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 is the Principal Partner of the awards.
“NZI is proud to support emerging leaders and solutions that showcase the very best in sustainable innovation,” says NZI Executive General Manager Garry Taylor.
One of the unique aspects of the Sustainable Business Awards is the ‘Next’ list – a curated annual showcase of the top innovators, entrepreneurs and changemakers identified through the awards process. In 2024, 95 people and organisations made the “Next 95” list, selected by a panel of independent judges.
“Anyone can have the chance to get on the coveted Next list, or even win, and one simple entry form is all it takes,” says Brown.
There are two award categories for 2025:
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Disruptive Innovation: Recognising groundbreaking products, services, technologies or business models designed with sustainability and circular economy principles at their core.
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Transformational Leadership: Honouring visionary individuals or teams championing long-term, systemic changes toward a regenerative, circular economy.
Entries close on 27 June 2025, and winners will be celebrated at a gala event in November.
To enter or learn more, visit: www.sustainable.org.nz/sustainable-business-awards.
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