Searching for Bay of Plenty’s most sustainable business
Bay of Plenty will soon know which companies are leading the way in sustainable business development.
Judging has been completed for the Sustainable Business Network Bay of Plenty Regional Awards causing a stir of
excitement amongst finalists in advance of the regional awards.
Entries have been received from organisations across many industries, indicating that sustainable business practice is
reaching new levels of saturation.
Jo Wills, Regional Manager of the Bay of Plenty Sustainable Business Network says the judges were interested to see
evidence of systems supporting sustainability as an integrated part of business practice.
“A number of businesses new to the network and to the awards are showing exciting signs for potential future leadership”
“This year’s awards theme is ‘Reinvent to Thrive’. There is a strong indication coming from finalists that sustainable
practice is the preferred way forward, and that they are embracing opportunities to innovate and future-proof their
companies, reinventing and adapting to the new business landscape to ensure they maintain their viability and markets”
say’s Ms Wills.
The Bay of Plenty exclusive NZTE Productivity Award received significant interest from a wide range of business.
Lionel Crawley, Regional Manager for New Zealand Trade and Enterprise says: “NZTE helps New Zealand businesses become
more internationally competitive. We believe improving productivity can help businesses succeed globally and is a vital
step towards lifting economic growth in our region and New Zealand. NZTE is pleased to sponsor this award because we see
the clear link between productivity and sustainability as both requires a focus on reducing waste, which is good for the
business, its customers, and the environment.”
To enter the awards, businesses participated in the Get Sustainable Challenge, covering eight identified areas of
sustainable practice; or entered the Sustainable Design and Innovation Award that covers products, services, and
buildings.
Judges included: Hendrik Metz (Fulton Hogan), Nick Gurr (Opus), Ulli Rose (KPMG), Karen Summerhays, (Environment Bay of
Plenty Councillor), Gavin Cherrie (EcoEffect), Dave Macfarlane (Opco), Timothy Allan (Locus Research), Jake McLaren
(Formway) and Warwick Downing (NZTE)
The awards will be held on Thursday, September 10 at the Sebel Trinity Wharf, Tauranga.
Winners of the regional awards automatically progress to the nationwide NZI Sustainable Business Network Awards to be
held in Auckland on 12 November.
Tickets are limited. To reserve a seat please email Andrea at andrea@sustainable.co.nz before August 28. Tickets cost
$99.00 per person or $999.00 for a table of 10.
ENDS