Simon Millar is a sustainability leader working to restore native ecosystems and strengthen climate resilience across Aotearoa New Zealand. As Executive Director of Pure Advantage, he has spent more than a decade driving large-scale, science-backed initiatives that advance regenerative futures for the country to thrive. A strategist and creative sector innovator, he has helped shape national conversations through projects such as Our Forest Future, Net Zero New Zealand, Financing the Future, Our Regenerative Future, and the landmark Ō Tātou Ngahere programme and conference. These efforts laid the foundation for Recloaking Papatūānuku, New Zealand’s most ambitious nature-based solution to restore and protect more than two million hectares of native forests and wetlands – supporting biodiversity recovery, carbon sequestration, and intergenerational resilience. Simon presented this vision at COP28 in Dubai.

Under his leadership, Pure Advantage has evolved from a think-tank into a collaborative movement, uniting iwi, scientists, landowners, businesses, and communities around large-scale ecological renewal. He produced Think Like a Forest, a documentary that communicates the kaupapa of Recloaking Papatūānuku and showcases his ability to translate complex environmental issues into compelling stories that mobilise partnerships and inspire collective action. Simon’s work is grounded in optimism and practical stewardship, showing how economic and ecological health can reinforce one another. His leadership is helping Aotearoa move toward a regenerative future shaped by care for land, people, and generations to come.

Peri Drysdale is a trailblazer of sustainable business and one of New Zealand’s original advocates for fashion as a force for good. As founder and CEO of Untouched World, she has built a globally recognised brand that weaves environmental ethics into every aspect of design, production, and purpose. Her leadership has shaped an entire industry, setting new benchmarks for circularity, regeneration, and social responsibility.

Over the past year, Peri has advanced partnerships that embed regenerative farming practices in New Zealand’s merino supply chain, directly improving biodiversity, soil health, and water quality. Through the Untouched World Foundation, she continues to empower young New Zealanders with environmental leadership training, nurturing a new generation of changemakers. Always guided by her belief that “every one person can make a difference,” Peri continues to model what’s possible when business and care for the planet are one and the same.

Rachel Brown, Founder and CEO of the Sustainable Business Network (SBN), has been one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading voices for sustainable business transformation for more than two decades. Under her leadership, SBN has inspired thousands of organisations to take measurable action on climate change, circular economy practices and nature regeneration. Rachel is a systems thinker and cross-sector connector who is focused on building the collaborative infrastructure for Aotearoa New Zealand’s transition to a fairer, regenerative economy. She brings together businesses, government, iwi, investors and community partners to drive collective action on climate change, circular economy practices and nature regeneration.

Under Rachel’s leadership, SBN has developed practical tools including the Climate Action Toolbox and Circular Economy Directory, and has mobilised funding for nature regeneration initiatives. Over the past year, she has led a programme supporting sustainable innovators to scale their impact. Rachel sits on the board of Mindful Money, and was awarded the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2018. She continues to demonstrate that systemic change happens when the right people, capital and ideas are connected.