This award celebrates those restoring and protecting the natural world. The semi-finalists are leaders creating a more sustainable Aotearoa New Zealand through action, innovation and deep commitment to the environment – forging a future that honours both people and planet.
Rachel is one of 10 semi-finalists for the award, alongside friends and strong contenders such as Mike Casey, Simon Millar and Peri Drysdale. Read about the other semi-finalists for New Zealand Sustainability Leader of the Year, as well as other categories in the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards.
About Rachel:
Rachel Brown, Founder and CEO of the Sustainable Business Network (SBN), has been one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading voices for sustainable business transformation for more than two decades. Under her leadership, SBN has inspired thousands of organisations to take measurable action on climate change, circular economy practices and nature regeneration. Rachel is a systems thinker and cross-sector connector who is focused on building the collaborative infrastructure for Aotearoa New Zealand’s transition to a fairer, regenerative economy. She brings together businesses, government, iwi, investors and community partners to drive collective action on climate change, circular economy practices and nature regeneration.
Under Rachel’s leadership, SBN has developed practical tools including the Climate Action Toolbox and Circular Economy Directory, and has mobilised funding for nature regeneration initiatives. Over the past year, she has led a programme supporting sustainable innovators to scale their impact. Rachel sits on the board of Mindful Money, and was awarded the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2018. She continues to demonstrate that systemic change happens when the right people, capital and ideas are connected.