Central & Southern Sustainable Business Network Awards

The top sustainability performers in the Central and Southern regions of New Zealand were recognised at a ceremony in Wellington on 19 September 2012. Head judge Steve Dixon says that the winners are an inspiration to other businesses in the region and around the country.

Kaimira Estate Wines from Nelson was the Supreme Winner, as well as taking out the award for Small Business - Trailblazer. Kaimira Estate wine is a CarboNZero certified product and the judges were impressed with how sustainability is embedded in every aspect of the business. Sustainability measures include sheep grazing the entire property in place of using weed killing pesticides.

Meridian Energy, which won the Large Business –Trailblazer award, impressed the judges with its absolute commitment to sustainability and 100% renewable energy from the CEO down.

Rachel Brown, CEO of the Sustainable Business Network, says that as a leader among the region’s corporates Meridian Energy was a strong challenger for the Supreme Award. It has a strong structure of policies in place across key areas to ensure sustainability is embedded into the organisation. It has also established an award-winning partnership with the Department of Conservation to encourage biodiversity.

Stone Arrow Jewellery, Golden Bay took out the Small Business – Emerging award. Wherever possible Stone Arrow mitigates any impact on the local community resulting from its activities. It has participated in hundreds of tree planting activities to offset any carbon dioxide produced during jewellery manufacturing.

Palmerston North City Council won the Not for Profit – Trailblazer category, with substantive evidence of its leadership and commitment to sustainability.

Commendations were awarded to Nelmac Nursery, Nelson (Small Business – Trailblazer), Downer Telco FM (Large Corporate – Trailblazer) and Nelson Environment Centre (Not for Profit – Traiblazer).

Rachel Brown says, “The regional awards recognise and celebrate the efforts of businesses and individuals where they have demonstrated value across environmental, social and economic indicators”.

According to Steve Dixon, “Now is the time for businesses to look at their long term strategy as sustainability issues grow in importance. The SBN awards regional winners have already demonstrated the benefits that ensure from such an approach.”

Regional winners will compete in their categories for a place in the NZI National Sustainable Business Network Awards on Thursday, 22 November 6pm – 9.30pm at The Cloud in Auckland.

The 2012 Sustainable Business Network Central and Southern Award winners are:
Supreme Winner: Kaimira Estate Wines, Nelson
Small Business – Emerging Winner: Stone Arrow Jewellery, Golden Bay
Small Business – Trailblazer Winner: Kaimira Estate Wines, Nelson
Small Business – Trailblazer Commendation: Nelmac Nursery, Nelson
Large Business – Trailblazer Winner: Meridian Energy
Large Business – Trailblazer Commendation: Downer Telco FM
Not for Profit – Trailblazer Winner: Palmerston North City Council
Not for Profit – Trailblazer Commendation: Nelson Environment Centre

About the Sustainable Business Network Awards:
The annual NZI National Sustainable Business Network Awards recognise and celebrate the efforts of businesses and individuals that are leading the change to a more sustainable New Zealand.