New Zealand’s top sustainability organisation has shone a light on three Wānaka-based groups or individuals by naming them as finalists in this year’s awards.

Wao co-founder Monique Kelly is a finalist in the ‘sustainability superstar’ category at the Sustainable Business Network’s (SBN) Sustainable Business Awards (SBA).

“The SBN awards are the preeminent recognition of action towards a sustainable future by businesses, organisations and non-for-profits in Aotearoa,” Monique told the Wānaka App. 

“I am really humbled to be selected as a finalist alongside some incredible superstars.”

Monique said the news was a surprise to her as her team had submitted a nomination on her behalf.

“For myself, I feel like this is premature as there is so much more left to achieve yet. My list of what needs to be done still weighs heavier [than] what's been accomplished so far and I am really conscious that this has been a team effort and not just about one person.”

“What I am really proud of is the movement we have helped create, along with others, in mainstreaming sustainable thinking. It's no longer a fringe idea, it's become central to all decision making and planning.”

The other Wānaka finalists include WAI Wānaka, a water advocacy group, which is a finalist in the ‘regenerating nature’ category, and Anna Van Riel, who is a finalist for the ‘change maker’ award for her environmental advocacy work as ‘Waste Free Wanda’.

SBN chief executive Rachel Brown said all 71 finalists show what is possible in a more sustainable economy.

“[They] are all playing a crucial role in actively addressing the urgent issues of our time, including the climate emergency and our nature crisis,” Rachel said. 

“Our awards have been running for 20 years and continue to prove that our small nation can make a big difference to these challenges.”

The winners for all SDA will be announced at a ceremony at the end of November. The ceremony will be held in Auckland and broadcast online.

PHOTO: Supplied