Kiwi trailblazers in sustainability recognised in new “Next 95” list as the green shoots of our future

The awards, in their 22nd year, have undergone a major transformation, moving from 10 categories to just two: Disruptive Innovation and Transformational Leadership.

The Next 95 is set to become an annual list of innovators, entrepreneurs, projects and organisations leading us towards a better future for Aotearoa New Zealand. A future of radically reduced greenhouse gas emissions, elimination of waste, reuse of resources, regeneration of natural living systems and greater equity.

Organisers of the long-running awards, The Sustainable Business Network (SBN) describes “The Next 95” as a group of awards finalists selected by the judges that are bringing potentially ground-breaking new ideas.

“We’ve dug deep to find the gold of transformation and these people and organisations show some of the greatest potential in sustainable business,” SBN founder and CEO Rachel Brown says.

“The Next 95 spans diverse sectors throughout Aotearoa New Zealand, including the built environment, tourism, technology, primary industry, energy and consumables.”

Also new for this year, the innovations will feature in an exhibitors’ showcase where attendees can view first-hand the cutting-edge products and solutions. The showcase is open to the public at Brad’s Warehouse, Auckland CBD from 12-4pm on Wednesday 27 November.

“From breakthrough technologies to game-changing business models, the awards remind us that there is a lot of new thinking by Kiwis who are redefining what’s possible for a sustainable future, and often in a challenging environment,” Rachel Brown says.

“We need to celebrate and support this group to help them thrive in a system that often works against them.

“These innovators strive to do things differently from the mainstream and there’s so much we can learn from them as New Zealand strives towards a regenerative, circular and sustainable economy,” she says.

The Sustainable Business Awards 2024 ceremony will be held in Auckland at Brad’s Warehouse, Auckland on Wednesday 27 November where winners of Disruptive Innovation and Transformational Leadership will be announced, alongside those highly commended.

Awards Criteria:

Disruptive Innovation

New products, services or technologies are presented with evident sustainability and circular economy principles at their core.

There is evidence of creativity and originality within the design, model or technology as well as evidence of the innovation’s scalability and replicability in different contexts.

Transformational Leadership

Leaders provide clear examples of strategic decision-making and overcoming challenges to achieve this vision. They demonstrate outstanding visionary leadership and foresight in championing transformational change.

The Next 95

Details of individual business are available here.