Next Fest – innovation x sustainability x scale
Next Fest is a high-energy, disruptive festival across multiple venues, designed to ignite innovation, forge connections and make change happen. It’s a key gathering for Aotearoa New Zealand’s sustainable business leaders, entrepreneurs and changemakers as we shape our next economy.
Be inspired by big-stage keynotes, unpack how-to's and connect with the brightest minds in business.
Meet entrepreneurs with market-ready solutions to cut carbon, reduce waste, regenerate nature and create social value. Plus leaders, investors and policy makers ready to back them.
Discover partnerships and intelligence that turn sustainability challenges into competitive advantages. And leave with the momentum to scale impact-driven innovation.
Invest in the Fest. Because you can’t afford to miss what’s next.
Opening Acts
Future-proof your business: Getting ahead of climate and operational risks
18 November | See more
Turning ideas into impact: How to inspire people to care and take action
18 November | See more
Future Council screening and Q&A with Damon Gameau, Director (via video link)
18 November | See more
The Next Economy: rethinking business, innovation and economic systems
19 November | See more
Main Stage
Global perspectives – from thought leaders like influential environmental journalist George Monbiot
Fresh ideas – from finance to energy and AI to nature regeneration, explore the trends shaping the future
Practical solutions – tools and tactics you can apply to your business right now
Powerful connections – with the innovators, investors and doers who can help you make it happen
Interactive experiences – from an innovation showcase to pop-up pitches, export opportunities and the Sustainable Business Awards - all in one dynamic festival.
Encore
The 2025 Sustainable Business Awards gala dinner - celebrating bold leadership and breakthrough innovation.
Over a three-course dinner at MOTAT's Aviation Hall, be the first to find out the winners of New Zealand's only dedicated sustainability awards. Get hands-on with winning ideas. Make powerful business connections. Celebrate the best of Aotearoa New Zealand’s Disruptive Innovation and Transformational Leadership.
Join us for an inspiring journey into the innovations shaping tomorrow, and meet the visionaries who are making it happen!
GET TICKETS
Or join the Wellington Watch Party, GET TICKETS
Festival Bonus
Circular design in action: Deep dive workshop with Ken Webster
21 November
What does it really take to turn circular economy thinking into business reality?
In this hands-on workshop, leading circular economy thinker Ken Webster will guide you through practical ways to redesign products, business models and systems for lasting impact.
Speakers
More speakers to be announced.
Tickets
SBN Impact Investor (member):
$895+GST Access all areas (festival events* including Sustainable Business Awards)
$695+GST Day pass (access to main stage events on 20 November only. Ticket excludes Sustainable Business Awards and events on other dates)
General admission:
$1095+GST Access all areas (festival events* including Sustainable Business Awards)
$895+GST Day pass (access to main stage events on 20 November only. Ticket excludes Sustainable Business Awards and events on other dates)
Purchase tickets to Next Fest.
Purchase tickets to the Sustainable Business Awards only.
*excludes Festival Bonus - "Circular design in action" workshop
Next Fest events
-
AucklandNext Fest 2025
Next Fest 2025
Next Fest is a high-energy, disruptive festival across multiple venues, designed to ignite innovation, forge connections and make change happen.
-
WorkshopTurning ideas into impact: How to inspire people to care and take action
Turning ideas into impact: How to inspire people to care and take action
You’re working to create change – not just for your business, but for the planet. But sometimes shifting mindsets and sparking action can feel almost impossible. So how do you talk about your innovative idea in a way that genuinely changes how your audience thinks and behaves?
-
Future-proof your business: Getting ahead of climate and operational risks
Future-proof your business: Getting ahead of climate and operational risks
This is a practical, two-hour taster session to spark ideas, build confidence, and help you stay operating during disruption.
-
Future Council screening and Q&A with Damon Gameau, Director
Future Council screening and Q&A with Damon Gameau, Director
Join us at Next Fest for a screening of Future Council with Director Q&A! Think 'School of Rock' meets 'An Inconvenient Truth'.
-
The Next Economy: Rethinking business, innovation & economic systems
The Next Economy: Rethinking business, innovation & economic systems
How do we reimagine business and innovation so they serve people and planet? How can economic systems evolve to deliver wellbeing, resilience and shared prosperity?
-
WellingtonWellington viewing party: Sustainable Business Awards 2025
Wellington viewing party: Sustainable Business Awards 2025
Gather to watch the 2025 Sustainable Business Awards streaming live from Tāmaki Makaurau, and celebrate the finalists and winners from Pōneke and beyond.
-
AucklandSustainable Business Awards 2025
Sustainable Business Awards 2025
-
Circular EconomyCircular design in action: Deep dive workshop with Ken Webster
Circular design in action: Deep dive workshop with Ken Webster
What does it really take to turn circular economy thinking into business reality?
Next Fest is proudly brought to you by the Sustainable Business Network, in partnership with NZI.
Principal Partner
Sponsors & supporters
Stay plugged into the Next Fest!
Sign up for regular updates about Next Fest as well as other sustainable business news and events