Print Icon
 
News, views and upcoming events
   

It's time we strengthen the S in ESG

We’re all familiar with New Zealand’s net zero 2050 goal – but what is the equivalent ‘goal’ for social sustainability? Is there one, and if not, how do we go about setting one? To support our members to be at the vanguard of social sustainability, SBC has commissioned Deloitte to undertake analysis to build our understanding about social sustainability. Learn more here.

   

SBC member-led agriculture joint venture makes first investment

The Centre for Climate Action Joint Venture, which began as an SBC collaboration, has appointed an experienced Board of Directors chaired by Sir Brian Roche. As of 5 April, the JV has made its first investment in a methane-inhibiting technology that is already showing potential to reduce methane emissions from dairy and beef cattle by over 70%. Learn more here.

   

Nature-based risks and the role of Directors 

Following the launch of Chapman Tripp’s legal opinion (in partnership with the Aotearoa Circle) around the role of New Zealand company directors in identifying and managing nature-based risks, we speak with Partners Nicola Swan and Alana Lampitt about the conclusions of this work and discuss the implications for SBC members. Watch the interview here.

   

Why business need to step up its game as government backs away

Mike Burrell spoke with Olivia Wannan from Stuff off the back of the recently released Climate Action Report Card about how important it is for business to ramp up climate action, even if government policies fall to the wayside. Check out the article here to read about how network organisations like SBC and CLC can inspire each other (and the government of the day) to act.
   

Westpac release Access to Banking in Aotearoa Report

As part of their work to make banking more accessible, Westpac New Zealand has released a report showing there are substantial barriers for some individuals to access a bank account, particularly homeless, youths without family support, refugees and prisoners. Read the full report here, and learn about Westpac's approach to the issue here.

   

More single-use plastics to be banned from 1 July 2023

There are three months until more single use plastics, including tableware, produce bags, produce labels and drinking straws, are banned, with the aim of avoiding hundreds of millions of these plastics into landfill each year.  For more information and resources to help with this change, visit the Ministry for the Environment website.
   

Have your say on the Waitematā Harbour connections (Waka Kotahi)

Waka Kotahi have proposed five different options for creating a stronger, more resilient connection across the Waitematā Harbour in Auckland. To help develop preferred connections, Waka Kotahi are now seeking feedback on potential scenarios and options to understand what is important to you and your community. Have your say on the options here.

   

In other news

   

Job opportunities

Te Whatu Ora (Hamilton/Rotorua)

Auckland University of Technology (Auckland)

Data Insight (Auckland)

Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research (Christchurch)

Institute of Directors (Auckland)

   

SBC hui

   

NEW: Introducing sustainability: the what, the why and the how for businesses 
Online | 1 May, 9:00am - 5:00pm NZST

Are you wanting to better understand sustainability, its application in businesses and why it’s important? SBC and BusinessNZ Network are excited to share our introductory sustainability day course, where you can connect with fellow businesses to learn about key elements of sustainability. Designed and developed by the in-house expertise of our sustainability and learning and development specialists, this promises to leave you with an informed, connected and inspired view of how you can begin making an impact through your business.

   

Climate Change & Business Conference 2023

Viaduct Events Centre, Tāmaki Makaurau | 19-20 September 2023


The Sustainable Business Council, Environmental Defence Society, and Climate Leaders Coalition are proud to again partner to deliver the 15th Climate Change & Business Conference at the Viaduct Events Centre in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland on 19-20 September 2023. The conference will provide a timely opportunity for business, government and civil society to tackle the tough questions the country is facing, and to share innovative thinking and new ideas about how we can collectively accelerate emissions reductions while building our resilience to the impacts of a warming world. Early bird prices available until 30 June 2023.

   

SBC hui

   

NEW: BusinessNZ Network Webinar: Where's the climate at? 

Online | 18 April, 12:00pm NZST

The BusinessNZ Network invites you to check in with the climate, to understand the evolving role of business in managing climate change. Reducing our carbon footprint is only part the challenge. This years’ devastating weather events across the country have served as a reminder that our climate has changed, and our behaviours must adapt to suit the environment we operate in. Join climate action leaders for a panel discussion covering the pressing challenges, solutions and opportunities for business. Panelists include: Deloitte – speaking about their recently launched report ‘The Turning Point’, Karen Lavin from The Climate Change Commission, and Brian Johnston from Cogo talking about innovation and technology. Followed by Q & A session.

   

NEW: BEC Lunchtime Seminar - Renewable Electricity on the Horizon 

Online | 27 April, 12:00pm NZST

Join us for a BEC Lunchtime Seminar to hear Stew Hamilton, General Manager Generation at Mercury talk about New Zealand's Renewable Generation Outlook. He will provide insights into the generation needed to decarbonise New Zealand, how Mercury is going to deliver more renewable generation, reflections on the key challenges to navigate as the sector responds to demand growth through decarbonisation, and the innovations Mercury sees coming in the generation space.

   

NEW: Infrastructure NZ: Building Nations Conference 

Te Pae Convention Centre, Christchurch | 7-8 June 2023

Last year, Infrastructure New Zealand envisioned a 2050 built on smart decisions that reform hurdles, embed strategic and efficient decision making, and realise the development of the country’s most-needed infrastructure. In June, let’s turn these ambitions into action. We will look at the practicalities of delivering the infrastructure that New Zealanders urgently need within the context of massive system change and commit to bold action as we head into a national election. Join Infrastructure New Zealand at Building Nations 2023 on 7-8 June to debate and discuss the moves we urgently need to make – from ambition to action.

   

More about SBC events. For other low emissions events, see the Climate Leaders Coalition events calendar.

Please send Pānui stories (50 words plus square image) or event listings (100 words plus banner image) to sbccomms@businessnz.org.nz by Wednesday 12pm. 

6 April 2023