Westpac Crowned 2011 NZI Sustainable Business of the Year

9 November 2011

An outstanding focus on encouraging sustainability has seen Westpac New Zealand named Sustainable Business of the Year at the 2011 NZI National Sustainable Business Network Awards in Auckland tonight.

Westpac also took home the People’s Choice and the Trailblazer Large and Corporate Business awards.

The Judges were particularly impressed by Westpac’s high level of commitment to sustainability across management levels. It has instigated sustainability initiatives in a number of business areas such as carbon trading, an impulse savings product, financial literacy programmes, recyclable bank cards and communication of sustainability issues to customers.

Rachel Brown, chief executive of the Sustainable Business Network (SBN), was impressed with the company’s focus on addressing the most material impacts of its business and its long-term view of sustainability.

The National Sustainable Business Network Awards were presented by MCs, senior Sunday Star-Times journalist Rod Oram and Back Benches host Wallace Chapman, in front of a who’s who of the country’s most sustainable businesses.

Mayor Len Brown welcomed all guests to Auckland. For many it was their first visit to Shed 10, the city’s social hub during Rugby World Cup 2011.

Overview of Winners and Judges' Commendations

NZI Sustainable Business of the Year

Winner: Westpac New Zealand Limited

Emerging Small and Medium Business Award

Winner: Daisies Early Education & Care Centre

Emerging Large and Corporate Business Award

Judges' Commendation: Localist Limited

Trailblazer Small and Medium Business Award

Winner: Tahi Estate Ltd

Trailblazer Large and Corporate Business Award

Winner: Westpac New Zealand Limited

Judges' Commendation: SCA Hygiene Australasia – Kawerau Plant

Trailblazer Not for Profit Award

Winner: Framework Trust

Sustainable Design and Innovation Award

Winner: Cityhop Cars by the Hour by Cityhop

Judges' Commendation: Hungry Bin by Low Impact Limited

Sustainability Champion Award

Winner: Pippa Coom - Grey Lynn Farmers Market, Cycle Action Auckland

Social Innovation Award

Winner: 350 Aotearoa

Judges' Commendation: Kaibosh

People’s Choice Award

Winner: Westpac New Zealand Limited