Winners announced for 2013 NZI National Sustainable Business Network Awards

Kiwibank and Nga Tangata Microfinance Trust have been named the overall winner of the 2013 NZI National Sustainable Business Network Awards for addressing the critical issue of breaking the poverty cycle. The awards celebrate the contribution businesses and individuals are making to transforming New Zealand into a model sustainable nation.

During the last two years, Kiwibank has supported Nga Tangata Microfinance Trust, an initiative aimed at reducing the impact and appeal of loan sharks in low-income areas. As a partnership between Child Poverty Action Group, NZ Federation of Family Budgeting Services and the NZ Council of Christian Social Services, the program addresses the causes of poverty and helps bring people in low-income areas out of debt.

Kiwibank provides Nga Tangata with the capital to make small, safe and fair loans (of $2000 to $3000) to households in South Auckland. Loans are directed to responsible, asset-building purposes such as education, family wellbeing and essential home goods. Kiwibank also provided essential business support and advice to set up the program.

Recipients of loans have been able to repair vehicles needed to get to work or transport family, secure accommodation and reduce interest costs. Those assisted also received support to increase their own financial literacy and manage their spending. Nga Tangata is now extending its services to the Waikato region.

“The Kiwibank/Nga Tangata initiative stood out to the judges because of the collaborative nature of the project, which ensures a genuine knowledge and understanding of the causes of poverty,” said the CEO of the Sustainable Business Network, Rachel Brown. “It’s directly addressing these causes, as opposed to supporting initiatives that simply look at the symptoms or stopgaps.”

As well as winning the overall Greatest Contribution to a Sustainable New Zealand Award, the collaboration also won the Community Innovation Award. Kiwibank was separately recognised as a finalist in the Renewable Innovation Award.

The other award categories and their winners include:

• Sustainability Champion Award: Sam Judd, Sustainable Coastlines
• Communicating Sustainability Award: The Nappy Lady
• Community Impact Award: Turning Trash into Treasure
• Mega Efficiency Innovation Award: New World Supermarket, Newlands & Foodstuffs NZ
• Mega Efficiency Impact Award: Auckland University of Technology
• Renewables Innovation Award: Vector
• Renewables Impact Award: Yealands Estate Wines
• Restorative Innovation Award: BioBrew
• Restorative Impact Award: The Farm Butchery
• Energy Management Award: Yealands Estate Wines

“I congratulate all of the winners, which are responding to the many issues facing businesses, communities and the planet today,” said Brown. “They are rethinking business models, products and services and using a social and environmental lens to create a platform for change.”