Offering value despite tough year
A work in progress is how Farmlands chair Rob Hewett describes the rural trader's 2024 annual results.
The awards have celebrated businesses, local government, social enterprises, and individuals who have been successful in sustainability for more than two decades.
A new suite of award categories will be rolled out over the next two years to align with the Sustainable Business Network’s mission to drive transformative change.
Two of those categories are now open for entry, with the full line-up set to debut in 2025.
Rachel Brown, chief executive and founder of the Sustainable Business Network, says that “in the face of unprecedented environmental and social challenges, it’s time for a paradigm shift”.
She says that sustainability as usual isn’t enough.
“That’s why we’re changing the focus of these Awards.”
Going forward, Brown says, the awards will spotlight the pioneers whose actions and innovations inspire others to think differently and act courageously.
The new categories for 2024 are Transformational Leadership, which awards visionary leaders championing long-term, transformational changes, and Disruptive Innovation, which awards groundbreaking products, services, technologies or business models designed with sustainability and circular economy principles at their core.
“We want the business community to see what’s possible and be inspired to take that bold leap,” she says.
“We want these Awards to be the ultimate inspiration to see that happen.”
Brown says that the entry process this year will be simplified and streamlined into one entry form.
“This approach empowers us to reset, build stronger partnerships and ensure that next year’s awards reflect the urgency and innovation our planet demands,” she says.
“Right now, we’re calling on the trailblazers of 2024. We’re seeking individuals, teams and organisations that are leading the charge with bold action and groundbreaking innovation.”
Entry is free and open to all across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Entries close on Friday 20 September 2024. The winners will be announced at a celebration in November.
