Hall of Fame - Building Sustainability Through People Award

The Building Sustainability through People Award recognises individuals and organisations who are taking meaningful steps to improve organisational sustainability in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Whether at the beginning of the journey or further along it, this award acknowledges that progress matters at every stage.

What sets past recipients apart is their commitment to turning sustainability values into real-world action through their people practices, and their ability to demonstrate genuine, measurable results from that work.

This award can be given at either an individual or organisational level. Those who are early in their sustainability journey are encouraged to apply. Notable success with early initiatives is just as worthy of recognition as more established programmes.

Taking steps toward a more sustainable organisation? Whether you are just getting started or building on existing momentum, if your work is making a genuine contribution to organisational sustainability through your people, we want to hear from you. Find out more about the upcoming awards and how to apply.

Building Sustainability through People Award 2025

Aligned with the city's redevelopment vision and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, sustainability has been a core focus in shaping Te Pae Christchurch and fostering their organisational culture. Their goal was to create a workplace where the team felt connected to a meaningful purpose they could truly champion.

Every aspect of the business is evaluated through an environmental lens, forming the foundation of their industry-leading sustainable operations. From initial planning, Te Pae recognised that prioritising sustainability would be essential for attracting and retaining top talent. Training plays a pivotal role in their engagement programme, empowering the team to actively contribute to Te Pae’s sustainability goals.

Working toward their sustainability targets has fostered a shared sense of purpose across the team, clients, suppliers, and community. The outcomes have been significant, including achieving Qualmark Gold, Toitū Gold and net carbonzero certification (the first convention centre in the world) and winning the Skål International Sustainable Tourism Award, involving collaboration across departments and external stakeholders.

Watch the Award Video 

Building Sustainability through People Award 2024, in association with People Ex

From inception in 2000, Hind Management / Sudima Hotels established leadership in environmental sustainability across the New Zealand hospitality and accommodation sector. Now they have extended their commitment to sustainability to meet all 17 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, caring for the planet, their people, guests and communities.

They have done this by ensuring that all their people understand the organisation’s values and setting up employee-led sustainability ‘Care Teams’. Everyone works together to hold one another accountable and everyone has the opportunity to devise new ideas. This has engendered a deep sense of pride and engagement.

Watch the Award Video 

Building Sustainability through People Award 2023, in association with Belle of the Ball 

Mitre 10 is New Zealand's most trusted home improvement and garden retailer. As a Kiwi-owned co-operative, our 84 locally owned and operated stores serve almost every corner of Aotearoa New Zealand, from Kaitāia to Invercargill. 

Our vision is to inspire Kiwi to love where they live, work and play. It enables our commitment to make a real and sustainable impact on our environment, our operations and our communities. As well as reducing the environmental impact of our own operations, our stores and team members (7000+) actively support their communities and customers with solutions to help them live more sustainably too. 

Check out the Award Video