News & Insights

Election 2026: how to vote for sustainability

If climate and nature matter to you, make sure you know what each political party stands for before heading to the voting booth. There’s plenty of information out there, from the parties themselves, the media and environmental groups. We’ve pulled the most useful resources together in one place to make it easier for you.

Barry Coates retires

Mindful Money founder Barry Coates, an SBN board member and head judge of the Sustainable Business Awards, is stepping down.

Who’s Next? Announcing finalists in the 2026 Sustainable Business Awards

We’re thrilled to announce the 115 organisations, people and initiatives on this year’s Next List. They are the finalists in the 2026 Sustainable Business Awards and they’re helping build our next economy – one that creates prosperity for people while cutting emissions, keeping resources in use and restoring nature.

Sustainability Communications - why we need a practitioner’s guide

A couple of years ago I was advising communications professionals about what it meant to work in a communications role with increasing responsibility in sustainability. What I was looking for at the time was a resource I could point them to which covered the many different aspects of the work. But I couldn’t find one. I realised that a practical guide didn’t really exist. So began the idea of writing/editing: Sustainability Communications – A practitioner’s Guide, published by Routledge this month.

10 takeaways from the Climate Change & Business Conference

Over 18 years, the Climate Change & Business conference has become Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest gathering of climate professionals. This year’s event encompassed 33 sessions and more than 100 speakers, covering everything from the energy transition and carbon credits to trade and litigation.

You don’t need to own the building to electrify your business

One of the barriers to business electrification is actually one of the easiest to solve.

Next in Motion: the next economy is already being built

Across Aotearoa New Zealand, businesses and organisations are finding better ways to meet our needs, restore nature, cut emissions and waste, and create value for people and the planet.

Devan Plastics cuts power costs with innovative solar solution

Devan Plastics and its sister company, Acquasol, have developed an innovative solution to access solar energy at their Bay of Plenty premises.

Bird of the Year 2026: Get ready for New Zealand’s wildest election

There is an election in the air, and this one has feathers.

Insights from the Nature & Business Symposium 2026

Alsco Uniforms NZ goes coal-free five years ahead of schedule

Alsco Uniforms NZ cut emissions and strengthened its energy security by removing coal from all its operations more than five years ahead of schedule.

Inside the Reality of Everything Symposium

The recent Reality of Everything Symposium explored the multiple crises facing humanity and the planet. Our Head of Nature, Kimberley Savill, summarises the key points.

NZ's LNG gamble: why imported gas is the wrong bet

The government is weighing up a proposed import terminal for liquefied natural gas (LNG) to help fuel electricity generation during dry years and winter peaks. It sounds like a safety net. We believe it's the wrong bet.

Stendy Solar: powering the Waikato’s shift to solar

Stendy Solar started as a small electrical contractor in Raglan. Over the past decade it has grown into a significant and well-regarded commercial solar installer in the Waikato, helping businesses across the region to cut their power costs.

SBN Annual report 2025-26

We are delighted to share the 23rd annual report of the Sustainable Business Network.

Welcome to our new Board

Congratulations to our new Board members, who were voted onto our Board at our AGM on 22 July 2026.

Next in Motion: resilience, momentum and a hard goodbye

Another wave of businesses is reshaping Aotearoa New Zealand’s economy. Through tough times, they’re still gaining traction.

Kenai Limited: putting electric excavation to work in Auckland

Auckland civil contractor Kenai Limited is proving that electric construction equipment can deliver real business and environmental benefits on urban job sites.

Sustainability profession ‘comes of age’ – but pressure remains beneath the surface

New research shows the sustainability profession in Aotearoa New Zealand has firmly established itself at the centre of business strategy – but ongoing pressures around capability, career pathways and pay are threatening to stall its progress.

Nature is your business partner

Kimberley Savill, SBN's Head of Nature and lead organiser of the Nature & Business Symposium 2026, reflects on conversations with businesses, community groups and individuals who are proving that nature and business can thrive together.

New report reveals Aotearoa’s sustainable innovators are ambitious but struggling to grow

A new report released today by the Sustainable Business Network (SBN) and Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) reveals that while Aotearoa New Zealand’s sustainable innovators remain optimistic about growth, many face ongoing barriers in accessing the capital and conditions needed to scale.

A new year, a new team: growing our nature mahi this Matariki

Te Tau Hou Māori, the Māori New Year, is a time to pause, reflect, and look ahead. As Matariki returns to our skies, we find ourselves doing exactly that!

Entries open for 2026 Sustainable Business Awards

Entries are now open for the 2026 Sustainable Business Awards, New Zealand’s pre-eminent sustainability awards. Now in their 24th year, the Awards celebrate outstanding innovation and leadership in sustainability.

From Extraction to Restoration: Ōnuku's Vision for Akaroa Harbour

A powerful call to action in restoration rather than extraction was shared with more than 100 community and political leaders at the Te Kori a te Kō Nature Symposium in Akaroa on New Zealand’s South Island.

Electrified from day one

Puhoi Organic Distillery & Caviar House is a model for full electrification and whole-business sustainability.