New research shows the sustainability profession in Aotearoa New Zealand has firmly established itself at the centre of business strategy – but ongoing pressures around capability, career pathways and pay are threatening to stall its progress.

The 2026 Insights on Aotearoa New Zealand’s Sustainability Professionals report, released today by Oxygen Consulting, in partnership with the Sustainable Business Council (SBC), Sustainable Business Network (SBN) and Auckland University of Technology (AUT), is now in its seventh year of research, providing a unique longitudinal view on the profession’s evolution.

Drawing on insights from more than 200 sustainability professionals across the country, the research finds the profession has reached a new level of maturity, while also entering a more complex and demanding phase.

“Seven years of this research tells us we’ve built something real. The sustainability profession in Aotearoa is no longer establishing itself, it is here,” says Dr Sarah Holden, Founder and Director of Oxygen Consulting.

“But coming of age brings a different kind of work. The challenge is now not proving the value of sustainability, but ensuring the profession is properly equipped, supported and able to sustain itself over the long term.”

Progress continues – but key pressures remain

The research shows sustainability professionals are increasingly embedded in organisations and confident in their roles, with 88% agreeing they have the capability to deliver on expectations.

However, this progress is being tested by a widening gap between what is being asked of professionals and the resources available to them.  

Key findings include:

• Capability gaps are widening, with 40% of professionals identifying gaps in current training, clustering around technical skills, commercial and financial acumen, strategic influence and communication, project delivery, te ao Māori competency, and sector-specific or advanced training
• Participation in professional training has dropped to its lowest level on record at just 27%
• Career pathways remain unclear, with 81% of respondents unable to identify their next step in the organisation
• Turnover risk is increasing, particularly among younger professionals considering roles overseas

While wellbeing remains broadly stable, it no longer stands apart from other professions. The research also signals early warning signs are increasing as pressures begin to converge on professionals and turnover intentions creep up.

Implications for business: capability is now a strategic constraint

For business leaders, the findings highlight a growing risk: sustainability is now central to organisational performance, but the capability pipeline may not be keeping pace.

“Sustainability capability is critical to delivering strategy, managing risk, and unlocking long-term value and economic growth,” says Mike Burrell Chief Executive of the Sustainable Business Council.

“What this research shows is that while expectations of sustainability teams are increasing, the investment in capability, resourcing and career development is not keeping up. For businesses that creates a significant risk when it comes to execution.”

“Organisations that fail to address these gaps risk slowing progress at a time when the external environment, from investors to global markets, is only becoming more demanding.”

Training and education systems under pressure to respond

The research highlights a clear role for educators and training providers, with professionals identifying gaps across technical skills, commercial acumen, strategy influence, and te ao Māori competency.

AUT’s Professor of Ethics and Sustainability Leadership, Marjo Lips-Wiersma says, “What these latest insights tell us is that the sustainability role today is broader and more complex than ever before.

“AUT’s Business School makes environmental, social and governance (ESG) courses compulsory to all of its students throughout their degree, enabling them to have a good understanding of it – regardless of whether they are studying marketing, accounting, finance or management – as it’s crucial that we prepare and equip current and future professionals for the changing demands of the roles they are stepping into.”

Momentum is real – now it needs to translate into action

Despite the challenges, the research reinforces momentum behind sustainability in Aotearoa New Zealand remains strong.

The opportunity now is to convert that momentum into sustained, system-wide progress.

“Turning ambition into impactful action requires us to back the people doing this work, strengthening capability, and creating the conditions for long-term impact,” says Rachel Brown, CEO of the Sustainable Business Network.

“For sustainability strategies to be truly effective, people across all teams need to be engaged, especially when resources such as people, skills and funds are very thin. This is critical if we want Aotearoa New Zealand to move beyond progress to transformation.”

After seven years, the findings show the sustainability profession in Aotearoa New Zealand has moved beyond establishment and into a new phase of maturity.

The report now calls for stronger investment in capability, clearer career pathways, and deeper integration of sustainability into core business decision-making.

Without this, progress risks stalling. But with it, the profession is well placed to play a defining role in delivering long-term business performance, and the economic and environmental benefits of a resilient, low-emissions economy. 

A comprehensive list of training opportunities offered by the report’s partners can be found here.

Insights on Aotearoa New Zealand Sustainability Professionals is the only research of its kind in New Zealand. Download the full insights report here.

Notes to editors

The sustainability experts and partners listed above will be participating in a panel at today’s launch event, responding to the insights and discussing ideas for addressing future challenges.

Target participants for this research included any employed people who currently have ‘sustainability’ as part or all of their role. ‘Sustainability’ includes responsibilities that address the social, environmental and economic risks to the organisation. The scope included anyone in full time, part time or contractual positions within public, private, non-governmental, charity, and not-for-profit organisations.