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

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