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New Zealand Sustainability Leader of the Year

New Zealand Sustainability Leader of the Year

Te Toa Taiao o te Tau

CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE

2025

Finalists

Celebrating those restoring and protecting the natural world. These leaders are creating a more sustainable Aotearoa through action, innovation, and deep commitment to the environment – forging a future that honours both people and planet.


Nominees for this Award must:

  • Demonstrate tangible actions, with proven impact, towards global sustainability goals focused on environment – including (but not limited to) climate change, air and water pollution, water scarcity, food security, deforestation, rising sea levels, loss of species and habitat biodiversity, or loss of indigenous environmental knowledge and traditions.
  • Show significant impact within the past year.
  • Serve as role models fellow New Zealanders (and beyond) – inspiring a sustainable and thriving future for Aotearoa.
  • Meet Awards Conditions of Entry.

Judges will review each nominee using the following criteria:

  • 10 points: OVERALL INSPIRATION:
    Describe the person you are nominating and what they’ve done to inspire you over the past year to nominate them as the New Zealand Sustainability Leader of the Year Te Toa Taiao o te Tau.
  • 10 points: PURPOSE
    How does the planet benefit from the mahi, contribution, or influence of this person – and how?
  • 10 points: COMMITMENT
    Describe the commitment of time, risks, and challenges overcome to create an impact to this point (this may still be ongoing). What have they done that has gone above and beyond to show leadership, creativity/innovation, and create change?
  • 10 points: PROVEN IMPACT
    How has this person clearly demonstrated a positive contribution, with proven impact, towards sustainability (particularly over the last 12 -months)? How has this been measured?
  • 10 points: LONG-TERM IMPACT
    If known, how does the nominee plan to grow and/or adapt their work, contribution, or influence in the future? How would winning this award impact this person and the work that they are doing?

 

Conditions of Entry

2025

Semi Finalists

Mike Casey

Otago Ōtākou

Mike Casey, sustainability pioneer and co-owner of Forest Lodge, the world’s first all-electric cherry orchard near Cromwell, has revolutionised New Zealand’s energy sector. Over the last year, Mike’s steadfast commitment to sustainability has transformed the diesel-driven status quo of his industry, saving approximately $40,000 annually and reducing carbon emissions by 50 tonnes per year. In 2023, Mike expanded his influence as CEO of Rewiring Aotearoa, turning a once simple idea into a powerhouse organisation dedicated to boosting New Zealand’s climate ambitions.

In this role, Mike has leveraged his unique blend of charm, humour, and transparency to build key relationships across sectors, raise millions of dollars, and grow a team of over 15 climate scientists, energy experts, policy advisors, data analysts, and storytellers. Through his tireless advocacy, Mike has shifted the climate change narrative from sacrifice to substitution, ensuring climate action is tangible, affordable, and equitable for all New Zealanders.

Valerie Marie Ngaoa Teraitua

Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau

Valerie Marie Ngaoa Teraitua, a passionate advocate for community wellbeing and sustainability, has led Papatūānuku Kōkiri Marae in Māngere, South Auckland, for 15 years. Her visionary leadership, deeply rooted in her whakapapa, has transformed the struggling urban marae into a flourishing hub for education, kai sovereignty, whānau wellness, indigenous innovation, and environmental stewardship. As an innovator, Valerie created the Koha Café, a koha-based eatery that serves nutritious meals made from rescued kai and produce, and co-leads the Kai Ika Project, which repurposes fish waste into nourishing meals.

Valerie’s tireless service extends beyond these projects. She’s a pillar of manaaki, providing emotional and material support to whānau in need. Her commitment to sustainable living, rooted in the kaupapa Māori framework for organics Hua Parakore, has led to impactful zero-waste transitions, food rescue models, and the mentoring of future sustainability leaders. Valerie’s transformative mahi is shaping Aotearoa’s future, with her innovative models gaining national attention.

Dr Richard Hursthouse

Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau

A steadfast guardian of Aotearoa’s native environment, Dr Richard Hursthouse has been the driving force behind the Campbell’s Bay Urban Bush Society since 2003. As a medical professional, he recognised the intrinsic connection between a healthy environment and the wellbeing of its inhabitants. Richard has spent nearly two decades championing Centennial Park in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, transforming it from a dismissed “scrub” to a thriving native bush park filled with majestic Kauri, Kahikatea, Totara, Rimu, and Puriri trees.

With his pragmatic leadership, Richard has overseen the planting of approximately 24,000 trees, the maintenance of 7.5 km of tracks, and the establishment of a crucial database to record invasive species and infestations. His enduring commitment is not just to the park, but to the future generations who will inherit it, seeding a legacy of respect for natural spaces and fostering a community that upholds the same values.

Maria Kuster and Seán Ellis

Southland Murihiku

Maria Kuster and Seán Ellis, founders of Pure Salt in 2016, have redefined conservation through their innovative Fiordland charter boat operation that doubles as a social enterprise. Their steadfast leadership in Tamatea Dusky Sound restoration projects, pest eradication, habitat restoration, and community-driven conservation initiatives have inspired both local communities and international visitors to join them in preserving Aotearoa’s unique ecosystems.

Their commitment surpasses ordinary conservation efforts, as they blend art, education, and technology to enhance their impact. By managing complex trap networks, conducting field trips, and introducing predator control technologies, they have enabled measurable reductions in pest populations and the reintroduction of native species. Their vision of Tamatea Dusky Sound as Aotearoa’s largest ‘bio bank’ sets a new standard for sustainable tourism and ecosystem recovery.

Jemima Jones

Nelson Whakatū

Jemima Jones, a dedicated environmental advocate from Whakatū Nelson, has single-handedly sparked a recycling revolution within her community. Over the past year, she has initiated an effective recycling programme focusing on items that are not typically included in curbside collection, such as bottle tops, lids, and tetrapaks. Her approach is not just about recycling; it’s about creating a sustainable mindset, encouraging her community to reduce, reuse, and recycle effectively.

Her ceaseless dedication, warmth, and positivity have rallied her community, providing them with the knowledge and tools to make responsible environmental choices. Jemima’s efforts have not only significantly reduced the volume of waste sent to the landfill but also nurtured a community-driven commitment to environmental stewardship. Her work continues to inspire and create a ripple effect of positive change throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.

Diana Rosemary Shand

Canterbury Waitaha

Diana Rosemary Shand MNZM, a tireless advocate for environmental, human rights, peace, and heritage issues, has devoted her life to making significant contributions both nationally and internationally. Her journey started in Ōtautahi Christchurch, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at the University of Canterbury and later taught Marketing and Business Studies. Her dedication to advocacy led her to serve as a Human Rights Commissioner and a Council Member of the University of Canterbury. Diana’s steadfast commitment to environmental sustainability found expression in her tenure as a member of the Environment Canterbury Regional Council and her role as the national programme manager for the NZ office of the NGO ICLEI- Local Governments for Sustainability.

More recently, Diana has continued to influence environmental policy and awareness as a member of the Executive of ECO (Environment and Conservation Organisations of Aotearoa New Zealand) Canterbury and Chair of the North Canterbury Branch of the Forest and Bird Society. Internationally, she served as the Regional Councillor for Oceania for the NGO International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and was IUCN’s Vice President from 2009-2012. Her work has reshaped conversations on climate justice, and her efforts in advocating for small island states within Oceania have made a profound impact.

Simon Millar

Otago Ōtākou

Simon Millar, a determined advocate for environmental sustainability, is a driving force behind Aotearoa’s response to our planet’s climate challenges. Recently, he spearheaded Pure Advantage NZ’s ambitious initiative, Recloaking Papatūānuku, which aims to re-forest 2.2 million hectares with native flora, bolstering biodiversity and supporting New Zealand’s Paris Agreement commitments. The launch of the film “Think Like a Forest” reflects the essence of this vital work and showcases Simon’s ability to unite individuals across the motu for a common cause.

Simon’s approach to leadership is transformational, forward-thinking, and grounded in collaborative action. He’s not just narrating the narrative of green growth; Simon is actively shaping the future of policy, business innovation, and ecosystem restoration in Aotearoa. His work exemplifies an impactful, positive, and inclusive path towards a greener, wealthier nation.

Peri Drysdale

Canterbury Waitaha

Peri Drysdale, the visionary founder and CEO of Untouched World Ltd and the Untouched World Foundation, is a driving force in sustainable fashion and environmental education. In the past year, she has advanced initiatives to protect biodiversity and restore ecosystems, embedding regenerative farming practices into her supply chain and partnering with local wool growers committed to improving soil health and native vegetation.

Her leadership extends to the Untouched World Foundation, which equips rangatahi with the skills to champion sustainability in their communities. Despite challenges, she remains committed to her kaupapa, persistently innovating and nurturing future leaders, demonstrating her deep commitment to both the environment and Aotearoa’s people.

Russel and Teresa Trow

Southland Murihiku

For more than 40 years, Russel and Teresa Trow have devoted their lives to protecting and restoring native biodiversity on Kundy Island and across the wider Tītī Islands near Rakiura. Long before predator eradication became a national priority, they recognised the threat posed by invasive weka and led the painstaking work to remove them, creating a safe haven for taonga species such as tīeke, matata, and meaweka.

Thanks to their persistence, Kundy Island has become a thriving sanctuary and a vital source for repopulating other islands and even mainland sanctuaries like Orokonui. The Trows have pioneered bird transfer techniques, mentored others, and modelled collaborative conservation that has transformed relationships between local birders, iwi, and government agencies. Their decades of hands-on, voluntary effort have helped bring back endangered species, inspired trust and partnership, and shown the power of community-led conservation to restore ecosystems for generations to come.

Rachel Brown

Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau

For over two decades, Rachel Brown, CEO of the Sustainable Business Network (SBN), has fervently championed business action on climate change and sustainability in Aotearoa. In 2025, her leadership heralded the successful inauguration and expansion of the Climate Action Toolbox, a free resource that has facilitated thousands of Kiwi businesses to recalibrate their operations towards low-carbon, regenerative models.

Rachel’s work transcends environmental outcomes. By equipping businesses with the tools to embed sustainability in their core operations, she facilitates economic resilience, fostering an environment where enterprises can adapt, innovate, and prosper in a low-carbon future. An esteemed thought leader and systems innovator, Rachel’s dedication to sustainability reinforces the idea that it is not only beneficial for the planet but also pivotal for business success and community wellbeing.

Previous

winners

2025 Genesis New Zealand Sustainability Leader of the Year Finalist Deborah Manning ONZM

Deborah Manning ONZM

2025
Nicola MacDonald MNZM, 2024 New Zealand Sustainability Leader of the Year

Nicola MacDonald MNZM

2024
Camden Howitt 2023 New Zealand Sustainability Leader of the Year

Camden Howitt

2023
Charmaine Bailie, 2022 New Zealand Sustainability Leader of the Year

Charmaine Bailie

2022

Thanks to our generous sponsor whānau
that make the awards possible

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office@nzawards.org.nz
media@nzawards.org.nz

PO Box 1158
Christchurch 8140 New Zealand

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