MAS and SBN celebrate organisations making social impact

Finalists have been announced for the Sustainable Business Awards, with the MAS-supported Social Impactor category celebrating organisations making a positive impact in areas from soft drinks to industrial salvage. 

The annual awards, run by the Sustainable Business Network and now in their 20th year, highlight the sustainability and community improvements being made by businesses. MAS sponsors the Social Impactor category, which celebrates businesses that strive to improve lives in Aotearoa and abroad. This could be through making positive changes to working conditions for employees, helping shape local communities, or providing ethical and impactful goods and services.

In 2021, the category was won by Gap Filler, a creative placemaking organisation which was established as a response to the Ōtautahi Christchurch earthquakes, and exists to make our communities healthier, more creative, and more inclusive.

MAS Chief Executive Martin Stokes says, "This year's Social Impactor finalists represent a diverse range of industries, but all are united by a passion for shaping a healthier Aotearoa – something MAS shares a commitment to."

"I'm proud that MAS is sponsoring the Sustainable Business Awards for a third year, and I look forward to seeing who wins on awards night."

This year's winner will be announced at an awards night in late November.

This year's Social Impactor award finalists are:

All Heart NZ

All Heart NZ works with corporates to redirect and repurpose items they don't need anymore, as well as partnering with organisations to help make their supply chains more sustainable and ethical.

AWWA

Māori wāhine-owned AWWA is Aotearoa's first period underwear brand, and creates sustainable and ethically-made products that help reduce waste around menstruation.

Beautification Trust

Beautification Trust focuses on empowering Auckland communities to love and restore natural environments through projects including graffiti removal, public space clean-ups, environmental education, and workshops and classes.

Greenfern Industries

B Corp-certified Greenfern Industries Limited is an entrepreneurial-led licensed medicinal cannabis and biotechnology company that works in industrial hemp, hemp food, and hemp-based skincare.

Hōhepa Hawke's Bay

Community organisation Hōhepa Hawke's Bay provides education and cultural opportunities for people with disabilities, encouraging them to live satisfying and independent lives.

Karma Drinks

Fairtrade and organic drinks producer Karma Drinks is committed to being good for the land and good for people, donating 1% of all revenue to projects that support cola nut growing communities in Sierra Leone.

MyNoke

MyNoke offers high-quality, nutrient-rich soil conditioners and worms to growers and farmers of all sizes, as well as providing environmentally sensitive disposal options for manufacturers that create organic waste.

TROW Group

TROW Group is one of the largest commercial deconstruction companies in Aotearoa, and is working to create a more sustainable construction sector by repurposing over 90% of the material it salvages.

two/fiftyseven

Aotearoa's only climate-positive coworking and events space, wellbeing-based two/fiftyseven offers 50% of spaces and equipment for eligible organisations that are also committed to doing good in the community.