Covering sectors from finance, food waste and floristry to biodiversity, banking and building, the Next list represents a broad spectrum of the New Zealand economy.
James Griffin, General Manager at the Sustainable Business Network, says building this economy takes a shared effort.
“What excites me about this year’s Next List is that it shows the next economy is already being built. It includes innovators creating practical solutions to environmental and social challenges, alongside people changing how we buy, invest and lead.
“For those solutions to flourish, they need customers, finance, skills and partnerships. The Next List recognises the innovators as well as the buyers, funders, leaders and collaborators helping them succeed. Supporting that shared effort is how we turn promising solutions into lasting change.”
The Next List, now in its third year, highlights the people, projects and organisations driving bold, potentially transformative change. Within it lies the blueprint for a better future: radically reduced emissions, elimination of waste and reuse of resources.
The Sustainable Business Awards, now in their 24th year, comprise eight categories:
• Disruptive Innovation
• Transformational Leadership
• Emerging Transformational Leader
• Market Mover
• Outstanding Collaboration
• Future Finance
• Communicating for Change
• Regenerating Nature.
NZI is the Principal Partner of the 2026 Sustainable Business Awards.
Garry Taylor, Executive General Manager, NZI, says the organisation is proud to have supported the awards since their inception in 2002. “As New Zealand’s leading business insurer, we’re proud of our longstanding partnership with the Sustainable Business Network. This year’s finalists reflect the strong pipeline of New Zealand businesses taking bold action and finding innovative ways to create positive change.”
Other sponsors are Auckland Council, Exhibit Group, Green Air, Locky Dock and Steinlager.
Winners and commendations of the Sustainable Business Awards will be announced at the Awards gala ceremony on 26 November 2026 at Shed 10 on Auckland’s waterfront. Tickets are now on sale.
Organisations on the Next list will also feature at Next Fest on 31 March 2027, also at Shed 10. This full-day event comprises ideas, conversations and connections focused on the markets, capital, adoption and capability needed to scale sustainable solutions.