Sustainability Superstar
2022 AWARD FINALIST
Sponsored by NZI
Monique Kelly is the co-founder of Wao, a charitable trust based in Wanaka, New Zealand. Its purpose is to educate, inspire and enable communities to accelerate towards a carbon zero, regenerative future.
Monique has a unique gift of inspiring leaders and communities to think strategically about change in a solutions-focused manner. Monqiue has guided a team of volunteers and core members to take part in Wao activities. In 2021, Wao had benefited from more than 3,000 hours of voluntary time from 63 people.
Monique is the co-founder of Revology, a design studio creating beautiful objects using natural fibre composites. The Revology Concept Store in Wanaka sells ethically and sustainably sourced objects.
She is a director for New Zealand Functional Foods, a plant-based beverage manufacturer establishing a low-emission plant in Invercargill to supply the local and global market.
Monqiue has also been a consultant to the United Nations International Labour Organisation on employment, labour and human rights standards since 2001.
Working off piece-meal financial support from ticketed events, grants and business sponsorship, Monique has funnelled funds from the Wao Trust back into supporting the initiatives and people within the Trust, and dedicates her time voluntarily.