James Griffin is General Manager at the Sustainable Business Network (SBN). He says: “To create a more sustainable economy we need the whole system to change. Everyone has a role to play in transitioning to a more resilient Aotearoa New Zealand.
“We need finance that enables innovators to grow, procurement practices that encourage demand for sustainable products and services, partnerships to incubate new ideas, and communications that bring about meaningful behaviour change.
“We want to celebrate, support and profile the many people and organisations that enable this transition to take place. That’s why we’re expanding the categories of the Awards this year.”
Entries to the Sustainable Business Awards will open on Tuesday 2 June.
The 2026 categories are:
Disruptive Innovation
For the innovator reimagining what’s possible. This award celebrates groundbreaking products, services, technologies and business models designed with sustainability and circular economy principles at their core.
Transformational Leadership
For the leader making bold moves others will follow. This award honours individuals or teams who go beyond business-as-usual leadership to drive meaningful progress towards a regenerative, circular economy.
Emerging Transformational Leader
For the emerging leader whose vision is already changing what’s possible. This award recognises a leader within the first 10 years of their career who is bringing fresh thinking, initiative and a clear sense of purpose to the challenges ahead.
Market Activation
For the organisation shifting what the market demands, supplies and makes possible. This award recognises those using their influence deliberately, pulling the market towards low carbon, circular and fairer outcomes.
Outstanding Collaboration
For the partnership achieving outcomes no single organisation can reach alone. This award recognises collaborations that have produced meaningful environmental or social outcomes through genuine partnership.
Bold Capital
For the funder taking smart risks to unlock a sustainable economy. This award recognises funders, philanthropists and financial institutions using capital as a catalyst for change.
Beyond Awareness
For the organisation whose communications are helping people think differently and act in new ways. This award recognises initiatives that use communications, storytelling and engagement to influence behaviour and accelerate progress on sustainability challenges.
Regenerating Nature
For the organisation restoring and protecting the natural world as part of doing business. This award recognises organisations that are integrating nature into the core of how they operate, taking action to restore ecosystems and enhance biodiversity.
The supreme award – Next Aotearoa Award – will be presented to one of the winners of the category awards, recognising the organisation that demonstrates exceptional ambition, system-level impact and the potential to create lasting change.
To enter, go to the Awards page on our website on Tuesday 2 June. Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on LinkedIn to be the first to hear when entries open.
Interested in sponsoring a category? Contact [email protected] to find out more.