SBN and NZI shine spotlight on next generation of leaders and innovators

Pictured above: Attendees at the SBN Communicating Sustainability Masterclass earlier in the year.

The Sustainable Business Network (SBN) has joined forces with long-time supporter NZI to launch Next Fest, a new programme that puts the spotlight on sustainability trailblazers reshaping New Zealand’s business landscape.

Designed to celebrate and accelerate innovation, Next Fest will run in November across two of Auckland’s most iconic venues: Auckland Zoo and MOTAT. The event will include a forward-thinking conference, a curated showcase of cutting-edge products and services, and the 2025 Sustainable Business Awards Gala.

The Awards, now in their 23rd year, were relaunched in 2024 with a sharper focus on disruption and leadership. Gone are the traditional nine categories, replaced by just two: Disruptive Innovation and Transformational Leadership. The streamlined approach reflects a growing urgency to recognise scalable, high-impact solutions to sustainability challenges.

Also introduced last year was the Next 95, an annual list featuring the most innovative people, projects and companies in sustainability. All Award finalists make the list, positioning them as the ones to watch in Aotearoa’s green economy.

“NZI is thrilled to partner with SBN on the Next Fest programme and the Awards,” says NZI Executive General Manager Garry Taylor.

“The addition of the Next Fest programme takes our partnership and the sustainability sector to a new level.”

“Businesses are increasingly embracing sustainability for resilience and growth. NZI is dedicated to building a prosperous, sustainable Aotearoa New Zealand, and is excited to support emerging leaders and solutions,” he adds.

Themed ‘The Next Era of Abundance’, the Next Fest conference will explore the nexus of technology, innovation and sustainability. It will feature international keynote speakers, interactive workshops, product demonstrations, and Pitch Fest – a high-energy pitching session for start-ups and entrepreneurs seeking investment and support.

SBN Founder and CEO Rachel Brown says the collaboration with NZI underscores the immense commercial and societal potential of the sustainability sector.

“We deliberately called this the ‘Next’ because these people and organisations are creating our future – they are the brands, leaders, technologies and solutions that are creating a regenerative, circular and equitable Aotearoa New Zealand – and the world,” she says.

“Our job is to identify them, celebrate them and support them to grow. New Zealand already has the solutions; we need to deploy and get them growing faster!”

Key Dates for the 2025 Sustainable Business Awards and Next Fest: