Rachel Brown ONZM, CEO and founder of the Sustainable Business Network, which runs the Awards, says: “For more than two decades, these awards have recognised people and organisations leading the charge.
“Sustainability alone isn’t enough – and that’s why these Awards have evolved to showcase those driving bold action and groundbreaking innovation.
“We’re looking for a rich diversity of entrants – not just across sectors like construction, energy, food and mobility, but in the way organisations approach sustainability,” she says.
“That includes a range of business models and the integration of te ao Māori perspectives. We need to support sustainable innovators to help them grow and inspire others.”
NZI, the Principal Partner of the Sustainable Business Awards, is dedicated to building a prosperous, sustainable Aotearoa New Zealand.
Garry Taylor, NZI executive general manager, says: “NZI is proud to support emerging leaders and solutions that showcase the very best in sustainable innovation”.
Finalists of the Sustainable Business Awards form the ‘Next’ list – an annual list of innovators, entrepreneurs, projects and organisations leading us towards a better future. In 2024, there were 95 organisations and people on the list (the “Next 95”), selected by a panel of independent judges.
Rachel says those on the Next list are bringing potentially groundbreaking new ideas across multiple sectors: “Anyone can have the chance to get on the coveted Next list, or even win, and one simple entry form is all it takes!”
The Award categories are:
- Disruptive Innovation – groundbreaking products, services, technologies or business models designed with sustainability and circular economy principles at their core.
- Transformational Leadership – visionary leaders (individuals or teams) championing long-term, transformational changes towards a regenerative circular economy.
Entries close on 27 June 2025. The winners will be announced at a celebration in November.