For the last 20 years, The Sustainable Business Awards have recognised and celebrated success in sustainability. This year’s winners span sectors from food and beverage to transport, construction, biotechnology, and retirement.
Ethical soft drink company, Karma Drinks took out the supreme ‘Transforming New Zealand Award’, as well as the ‘Social Impactor Award’.
Karma Drinks has sold more than 43 million drinks since 2012, with 1 percent of revenue from every drink going to cola nut growers and communities in Sierra Leone to help drive economic and social independence. That money has funded bridges and teachers, sent 135 girls to school, supported farmers to revive forest farms, and provided seed funding for 33 local entrepreneurs. Those repaid loans have been distributed to a further 26 new entrepreneurs.
Karma Cola founders Matt Morrison, Simon Coley and Chris Morrison.
The award judges said Karma Drinks created real social value for communities and environmental value, while also creating a commercial product. The company was acknowledged for 'delivering trade, not aid'.
McCain Foods NZ's Timaru Plant won Climate Action Leader award. Sponsored by Waka Kotahi / New Zealand Transport Agency, this award is presented to an organisation actively leading and delivering impact and scale with climate action.
The Food for Good Award went to Hōhepa Hawke's Bay, a charitable trust providing residential care, education, vocational opportunities and day programmes for people with significant intellectual and developmental challenges. Its biodynamic farm provides employment, education, high quality food for consumption and the opportunity to be involved in food production.
The Sustainable Food Co. - a certified social enterprise and Aotearoa New Zealand’s first zero-waste event catering company with a 100 percent plant-based menu and a mission to help transform the food system and inspire New Zealanders to eat more sustainably - won a commendation in the same category.
This Year’s Award Winners are:
Sustainability Superstar Award
This award, sponsored by NZI, celebrates a person who inspires and leads others to make a difference.
Winner: Deborah Manning - KiwiHarvest
Commendation: Dawn Baggaley – NZ Post
Communicating for Impact Award
This award, sponsored by Federation, recognises an organisation communicating sustainability effectively to make a tangible impact.
Winner: Ecotricity
Commendation: Priority Communications & Timaru District Council
Social Impactor Award
This award, sponsored by MAS, is presented to an organisation that is consistently improving people’s lives through its day-to-day business practices.
Winner: Karma Drinks
Commendation: Trow Group
Going Circular Award
This award, sponsored by Auckland Council, is presented to an organisation that is making demonstrable progress towards going circular.
Winner: All Heart NZ
Commendation: Medsalv
Climate Action Leader Award
This award, sponsored by Waka Kotahi / New Zealand Transport Agency, is presented to an organisation actively leading and delivering impact and scale with climate action.
Winner: McCain Foods (NZ) - Timaru Plant
Commendation: Neocrete
Outstanding Collaboration Award
This award, sponsored by the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment, is presented to organisations that have collaborated for good with outstanding results.
Winner: Ports of Auckland & Damen Shipyards
Commendation: New Zealand Food Network
Food for Good Award
This award, sponsored by New World, is presented to an organisation that is transforming the food system to create a positive impact on people or the environment.
Winner: Hōhepa Hawke's Bay
Commendation: The Sustainable Food Co.
Regenerating Nature Award
This award, sponsored by the Department of Conservation, will be presented to an organisation, or collaboration, taking a leadership role in regenerating New Zealand’s nature.
Winner: Trees That Count
Commendation: HealthPost
Change Maker Award
This award, sponsored by Tax Management New Zealand, celebrates a young person who is driving sustainability change within their organisation or the wider community.
Winner: Samantha Walmsley-Bartlett – Circularity
Commendation: Millie Porter - Countdown
Transforming New Zealand Award
This is our Supreme Award, sponsored by NZI. It is presented to an organisation that is performing outstandingly well in all aspects of sustainability.
Winner: Karma Drinks
