It celebrates the ability to connect with audiences, inspire action and contribute to meaningful, lasting change - not just raising awareness. It includes initiatives that demonstrate measurable behaviour change and contribute to wider shifts in systems or decision-making at scale.
2026 Finalists - Communicating for Change Award
The following organisations are finalists in the 2026 Sustainable Business Awards. Alongside finalists in the other categories, they form this year's Next list – an annual list of who and what can make Aotearoa New Zealand a global beacon of sustainable business. Winners will be announced at the Awards night on 26 November 2026.
Who it's for:
Businesses, NGOs, government agencies, councils, media organisations, individuals and communications agencies entering on behalf of a client.
What the judges look for:
clarity of the behaviour change goal and the strategy behind it
creativity, reach, engagement and quality of the communications work
evidence of measurable behaviour change
positive environmental or social impact resulting from that change
ability to inspire action beyond the initial audience
scalability or replicability of the approach