This year’s research continues to explore the remuneration, gender pay equity, competencies, support requirements, capability development, succession pathways and wellbeing of sustainability professionals in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Sarah Holden, Founder and Director of Oxygen Consulting notes the importance of sustainability professionals continuing to be part of this important research: “I think this year’s research will highlight how sustainability professionals have navigated a really complex year, which has included increasing capability requirements alongside broader challenges such as economic uncertainty and a dynamic policy landscape. We’ll be able to see the direct impact this has had on things like remuneration, role requirements and job stress and how this compares against trends over the past five years. Our goal is to provide actionable insights into the skills, resources, and support sustainability professionals need to drive meaningful change within their organisations. By highlighting these critical areas, we aim to equip organisations with the knowledge to better support their teams and ensure the profession remains resilient and future-focused.”
“We believe the future belongs to those who understand how interconnected we are to each other and to all natural systems. Growing the necessary skills, wellbeing and pathways to leadership are crucial for creating a just and thriving future for us all. As the challenges we face grow more complex, it's essential we support the people leading the charge”, says Rachel Brown, Founder and CEO of the Sustainable Business Network. “This annual survey is vital for understanding the current state and future needs of sustainability professionals in Aotearoa New Zealand. The knowledge it elicits will help us identify what’s needed to support each other and grow the sustainability profession. We’re really pleased to continue the partnership again with Oxygen Consulting, the Sustainable Business Council and AUT, and look forward to seeing the insights the survey provides.”
“This research provides a valuable, and much needed, annual temperature check for the sustainability profession”, says Mike Burrell, Executive Director of the Sustainable Business Council. “As the sustainability landscape evolves in areas like reporting, regulation, and technology, the skills required by sustainability professionals are shifting. Last year, we were also interested to observe an increasing recognition of softer skills – like engagement and influencing – alongside technical expertise.”
“As always, we are very happy to be part of this applied research project”, says Marjo Lips-Wiersma, Professor of Ethics and Sustainability Leadership at Auckland University of Technology. “This year it will be particularly interesting to see how various shifting landscapes are affecting sustainability officers’ priorities, roles, engagement and wellbeing.”
This research is open from 11 February – 11 March 2025 to people currently working in an Aotearoa New Zealand organisation and have sustainability as part or all of their role. This includes professionals with some sustainability responsibilities as well as those in dedicated sustainability roles. ‘Sustainability’ includes responsibilities to address social, environmental, and economic risks to the organisation and participants can be in full-time, part-time, or contractual positions within public, private, not-for-profit and charity sectors.
AUT’s Ethics Committee (AUTEC) has approved this research (AUTEC reference number 23/1) and a participants information form outlining the research in detail can be found here.
To go straight to the survey, click here.