Across New Zealand, Kiwi businesses are reshaping industries through bold innovation and transformational sustainability leadership. This was clearly on display at the 2025 Sustainable Business Awards held earlier this month at Auckland’s MOTAT.
Now in their 23rd year, the Sustainable Business Awards recognise trailblazers across sectors spanning technology, waste to value, food and beverage, manufacturing and healthcare. One hundred and nineteen (119) businesses across the country achieved finalist status on the Next List, with winners and highly commended selected for two awards, Disruptive Innovation and Transformational Leadership.
BioLumic from Palmerston North won the Disruptive Innovation Award for its pioneering work in sustainable agriculture. Its UV-light technology stimulates natural biological processes in seeds and seedlings, boosting growth, vigour and yields, all without genetic modification.
“BioLumic’s breakthrough is a world-first innovation that unlocks a plant’s natural potential while reducing methane emissions,” said head judge Barry Coates, founder and co-CEO of Mindful Money.
“It combines scalability with real climate impact, setting a new benchmark for sustainable farming.”
Commendations in this category went to Critical (Auckland), NE Tech (Canterbury), LastMyle (Taranaki), Nezo (Canterbury), RespondBio (Gisborne), Mushroom Material (Auckland), and Ōku (Waikato).
The Transformational Leadership Award was jointly won by Adele Rose from 3R Group in Hastings and Slash for Cash from Gisborne, recognising their commitment to driving environmental and social change.
3R Group partners with businesses to create and manage programmes enabling recycling and responsible disposal of products and packaging.
The company has driven a shift from waste management to resource recovery, tackling complex challenges across industries.
“Adele Rose has shown exceptional leadership over 17 years, helping to build New Zealand’s product stewardship systems from the ground up,” said Coates.
“She’s a true pioneer whose vision continues to shape circular policy and practice.”
Slash for Cash, led by Thabiso Mashaba, Hine Aio Prihira Mere Apatari and Matene Joseph Malachi Maraki, transforms forestry debris into organic biochar fertiliser and smokeless charcoal briquettes, creating local jobs, revitalising communities and regenerating soil.
“Slash for Cash has turned a regional challenge into an inspiring example of community-led innovation. By converting forestry waste into valuable products, they are creating employment, protecting waterways and building local resilience. This initiative is iwi- and hapū-led, with the Tolaga Bay Inn Charitable Trust run by Te Aitanga-a-Hauiti, the mana whenua of the Tolaga Bay rohe.”
Other commendations in Transformational Leadership went to Krissy Bishop (Te Pu-a-Nga Maara, Auckland), Zak Shaw (Development West Coast), and Trent Fulcher (Starboard Maritime Intelligence, Wellington).
“What gets me excited about this year’s finalists is they’re proving that sustainability isn’t just good for the people and nature – it’s good for business. When you look at the numbers – NE Tech achieving 90 percent more yield with 86 percent less energy, or Development West Coast generating $10.75 of economic value for every dollar invested in nature – these aren’t trade-offs, they’re return on investment. These businesses show that when we work with nature’s systems rather than against them, everybody wins,” said Rachel Brown ONZM, CEO and founder of the Sustainable Business Network.
Garry Taylor, Executive General Manager, NZI said: “As the leading insurer for New Zealand businesses, we’re proud to support these Awards as a Principal Partner. It’s inspiring to see businesses turning bold ideas into real results that make a difference to our communities, environment and economy.”
Rachel added, “I love these awards because they give us a chance to celebrate the extraordinary people and organisations showing what’s possible when we think sustainably. We hope their work inspires others to think bigger, act bolder and embed sustainability into everything they do”.
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