IAG NZ wins New Zealand Sustainable Business Award

13 October 2004

IAG NZ wins New Zealand Sustainable Business Award

IAG NZ has taken out a top prize at the 2004 New Zealand Sustainable Business Awards.

IAG NZ, which trades under the State and NZI brands, won first place in the large business category at the annual awards held last night at the Carlton Hotel in Auckland.

This is the second time the Sustainable Business Network (SBN) has run national awards aimed at celebrating outstanding business performance in New Zealand and highlighting exceptional achievement as an example for others to follow.

The awards recognise New Zealand businesses that are working towards economic, environmental and social sustainability in order to encourage business role models in this area.

Initiatives rewarded include examples of leadership, waste reduction and efficient resource use, integration of environmental management into everyday business practices, energy efficiency plans or initiatives, employee and stakeholder relationships and community programmes.

IAG NZ’s chief executive David Smith said it was an honour to receive the award.

“Last year we paid in excess of $600m in claims, but that’s the easy part. The real work is getting people’s lives back together and that’s why we work closely with community groups to help manage and reduce risk, both being essential elements of sustainability in our business,” he said.

Judges said they were “very impressed in IAG’s leadership in the area of insurance – something the sustainability field has long been waiting for.”

“What stood out for judges was both IAG’s excellent use of initiatives to include and involve the entire organisation of some 2000 employees as well as the influence they have through their supply chain and now into their customer base and the community. A great role model for other large corporates.”

SBN chief executive Jami Williams says being sustainable is good for business, not just a passing fad.

“ ‘Sustainable business makes sense’ is the by-line for this year’s awards. It is more than a catch phrase, it is a fact of doing business,” she said.

ENDS

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