Waikato Awards: Te Whangai Trust nurtures a win at the Sustainable Business Network Awards

Te Whangai Trust was named both ‘Sustainable Business of the Year' and winner of the Not for Profit category at the Sustainable Business Network awards for the Waikato region last night.

Te Whangai Trust founders Gary and Adrienne Dalton manage a native plant nursery in Miranda employing at-risk members of the community and encourage them to become positive about their contribution to society.

The charitable trust, founded in 2007, has developed a unique business model that is comprised of revenue and self-sufficiency through the native plant nursery and the social aspect of giving employees a hand up and getting them back on their feet into full-time employment.

The judging panel was impressed by Te Whangai's commitment to the cultural and social sustainability principles which are thoroughly integrated in the Trust's vision of creating a sustainable, ecological and educational business that supports and trains disadvantaged people who find it challenging to enter the labour market. They can then move forward and create a better life for themselves and future generations.

Te Whangai has dramatically changed the lives of almost 100 individuals by recognising their potential and empowering them with the skills needed to turn their lives around. With effective communication and commitment to assist disenfranchised and disconnected people, the Trust has maintained a successful economic model while gaining a tangible environmental benefit.

The Sustainable Business Network Awards recognise businesses that are demonstrating leadership by embracing innovation, sustainability and regenerative practices in their day-to-day operations.

Waikato region winners for the 2009 Sustainable Business Network Awards are:

Waikato region winners are now finalists in the national NZI Sustainable Business Network Awards, to be held in Auckland on Thursday, November 12.

Regional Manager of the Sustainable Business Network's Waikato office, Michelle Locke, is delighted with the achievements of these businesses that are going the extra mile to incorporate sustainability into their daily life.

"It's encouraging to see so many businesses taking leadership positions in the sustainability space.

"Congratulations to all of our winners - they are proof that a holistic approach is not only good for the environment, it's good for the bottom line as well, as these companies continually adapt and innovate to grasp the opportunities that exist even in tough economic times."

Entering the annual SBN awards requires businesses to participate in one of the following:
- The SBN's ‘Get Sustainable Challenge', covering eight areas of sustainable business practice;
- Entering the Sustainable Design and Innovation Award that covers products, and services.