Pathfinder Asset Management (Pathfinder) dominated the awards, firstly taking out the Communicating for Impact Award for its ability to communicate how you can grow individual wealth and have a positive impact on people, communities and the planet.
John Berry, Pathfinder’s Managing Director, won the Sustainability Superstar Award through outstanding leadership as a tireless champion of ethical investing. He has convinced investors to redirect many millions of dollars into companies that make a positive difference.
To top off the evening, Pathfinder won the coveted supreme Transforming Aotearoa New Zealand Award. All elements must come together to win this award including the vision for a sustainable future, dedication to ethical practice, and products that offer a far better alternative to the status quo. Then there’s the X factor – impact. Pathfinder is having a significant impact with a range of ethical investment funds, including its KiwiSaver funds which have one of the lowest fossil fuel investments in the country.
Sustainability lies at the heart of everything Pathfinder does. Its mission is to fund a lasting transformation to a better world. It is Aotearoa New Zealand’s first certified B Corp fund manager. Pathfinder has committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2030 and it gives away 20% of KiwiSaver management fees (out of its own pocket, not from members) to New Zealand charities. More than $1 million has been given and accrued in the past four years.
The judges commented, “Pathfinder’s success couldn’t have happened at a more critical moment - when sustainability is under threat from greenwash and governments under pressure to cut corners. Pathfinder is demonstrating that people, planet and profit is not just a good idea, it’s the most credible plan for business, citizens, and Aotearoa New Zealand”.
Rachel Brown, Sustainable Business Network CEO says,
“In 2023 climate has played havoc on us. Communities have been hit hard. Infrastructure is failing and our degraded natural systems can’t provide the resiliency role they once did. For decades now financial resources have not been directed into the right things.
“The national conversation, and funding, has lost its connection with the need to address climate and nature, and the benefit that brings to communities.
“But amongst this, businesses have stepped up. The 2023 Award entries, led by passionate people, across all sectors, who offer us all hope through very practical solutions. Their stories continue to impress as they lead and innovate on sustainable action across all sectors of the economy.
“Sustainability is the lens these businesses use to think strategically and intergenerationally while acting now with positive impact. They recognise that customers, staff, and their children expect businesses to address the very real challenges of climate, waste, nature, and inequality. Doing this is in their DNA.”
2023 Sustainable Business Awards Winners
Sustainability Superstar
Sponsored by NZI
Winner: John Berry – Pathfinder Asset Management
Commendations: Kirsten Patterson – Institute of Directors, Jacinta Fitzgerald – Mindful Fashion New Zealand
Communicating for Impact
Sponsored by Stuff
Winner: Pathfinder Asset Management
Commendation: Better Packaging Co.
Social Impactor
Sponsored by MAS
Winner: Money Sweetspot
Commendation: Te Whangai Trust
Going Circular
Sponsored by ecostore
Winner: Emerge fertiliser by Watercare
Commendations: Solid, Circularity
Climate Action Leader
Sponsored by Waka Kotahi
Winner: Ecotricity
Commendation: Lawson’s Dry Hills
Outstanding Collaboration
Sponsored by Ministry for Business, Innovation & Employment
Winner: Eco-Action Nursery Trust, Ōtautahi-Christchurch & Waitaha-Canterbury community
Commendation: Fair Food & Farro Fresh & food partners
Good Food
Sponsored by New World
Winner: Trade Aid
Commendation: The Sustainable Food Co.
Regenerating Nature
Sponsored by Ministry for the Environment
Winner: Reconnecting Northland
Commendation: Forever Forests
Change Maker
Sponsored by Tax Management New Zealand
Winner: Scott Waddell – Mataura Valley Milk
Commendation: Frankie McKeefry – Près Strategy
Transforming Aotearoa New Zealand Award
Winner: Pathfinder Asset Management
Finalists: Ecotricity, Trade Aid