Agri Intel

Agri Intel is a farm environmental consultancy based in Canterbury, work closely with farmers, processors, irrigation schemes and councils to improve environmental outcomes while supporting productive, viable farming. Our work covers a range of services including Farm Environment Plans (FEPs), farm resource consents, Highly Productive Land (HPL) assessments, FAP Plus accreditation, and native forest registrations under the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). We help farmers navigate increasingly complex environmental requirements in a way that’s practical, grounded, and tailored to their land. From detailed on-farm planning and mapping to guidance on carbon and biodiversity opportunities, we provide the tools to help landowners make decisions that benefit both the environment and their business.

Brown Acres Farm

At Brown Acres Microgreens, we grow more than just greens-we’re growing a sustainable future. Our indoor vertical farm in Tai Tapu uses 95% less water and six times less land than traditional farming, and everything is spray-free, organic, and family-run. As a proud Māori business, we weave kaitiakitanga (guardianship) into everything we do – from depositing the “spent” organic soil and greens on the land to feed the animals, and birdlife, to using eco-packaging and teaching others to grow at home. We’re launching microgreen grow kits that will soon be sprouting up in homes and classrooms across the country, encouraging low-waste, homegrown, super healthy food

Rolleston Toy Library

Rolleston Toy Library has made a significant and positive contribution to environmental sustainability by promoting the sharing economy and reducing consumption. As a community-driven initiative, the library allows families to borrow toys instead of purchasing new ones, thus decreasing the demand for mass-produced plastic toys. This not only helps reduce waste but also lessens the environmental impact associated with the manufacturing, transportation, and disposal of toys. By promoting the reuse and sharing of toys, Rolleston Toy Library actively fosters a culture of sustainability and resourcefulness. It encourages families to rethink traditional consumer habits and adopt more eco-friendly practices, benefiting both the environment and their wallets.

Pure Collective

At Pure Collective, we are deeply committed to creating a hairdressing experience that protects both people and the planet. Our mission goes beyond beauty, we strive to lead the hair industry in sustainable, regenerative practices that minimize our environmental impact and promote conscious living. Over 91% of our operations follow sustainable, natural or organic methods. Our stylist has a choice between traditional foil and reusable paper alternatives, all our foil and other metal materials gets recycled by MetalCorp, we use eco heads to reduce water consumption. We also encourage product refills to reduce single use plastic and use vegan and cruelty free brands that align with our values. We also donate hair for wig making. Our team is continually educated on sustainable best practices and shares these insights with clients, encouraging change far beyond our salon

TranzAlpine Organics t/a TranzAlpine Honey

TranzAlpine Honey is the #1 certified organic honey producer in New Zealand and the biggest NZ exporter of Organic Mānuka honey in the world. We’re an award-winning 5th-generation family business producing organic honey since 1910. While technology has helped us streamline some of our processes, traditional beekeeping practices are still at the core of everything we do. Despite a global surge in demand for certified organic honey, we’re proud to continue to produce products that don’t come at the expense of the environment or our bees. TranzAlpine Honey operates over 1000 certified organic beehives in the Selwyn District, scattered between Arthurs Pass and Leeston. The beehives are responsible for the prolific crop pollination in the district and for enhancing critical biodiversity. We also operate the largest organic certified honey operation at Castle Hill Station. This thriving project demonstrates the power of organic practices and their impact on food security and biodiversity. Our bees have transformed the high country station into a flourishing biodiversity site. We’ve restored the nitrogen and topsoil quality, reversed the structural soil degradation and regenerated earthworm populations. Organic apiculture is a significant aspect of regenerative agriculture. It limits the destruction of the bees' natural habitat, can improve soil quality and create an entire ecosystem that’ll bring back our bees from the brink of extinction.

Rural Property Solutions

We are a cleaning company that care about the environment. Most over the counter cleaning products are full of chemicals that are dangerous for humans but they market them as safe enough to clean the house. We have a product that contains no chemicals it is all natural and safe for people and the environment. We are the only company in NZ that use this.

STARHILL PEST CONTROL LIMITED ( Trading as THE LOCAL GUYS PEST)

As a franchise partner of The Local Guys Pest Control, I am committed to delivering pest management services that prioritise environmental safety and sustainability. Our approach focuses on using eco-friendly, low-toxicity treatments that are safe for people, pets, and native wildlife. Where possible, we employ integrated pest management (IPM) techniques that minimise chemical use and target pests with precision. In addition to responsible treatment methods, I actively educate customers about prevention strategies that reduce the need for ongoing chemical applications. This includes habitat modification, exclusion methods, and waste management advice. I am applying for this award to highlight how pest control can be both effective and environmentally conscious. Many people associate pest control with harsh chemicals and environmental harm—but our business model challenges that perception. We aim to set a new standard for environmentally responsible pest management in the Selwyn District and beyond.

Boat Creek Restoration Project

Hamish Jones is the driving force behind the transformation of Boat Creek Reserve – a grassroots regeneration project that has become a beacon for community-led environmental restoration in Waikirikiri Selwyn. Through his leadership, the Boat Creek Project Team has restored a neglected coastal public waterway into a thriving ecosystem that supports biodiversity, builds climate resilience, and connects the community to its natural landscape. With a clear ecological vision and a strong practical commitment, Hamish has guided the restoration of native riparian habitat using flood-tolerant native species suited to the dynamic nature of the site. What makes this project stand out is its holistic approach – combining science-led planting, invasive weed removal and management, habitat restoration, and enduring community involvement. This nomination recognises not just the outcome, but the way it’s been achieved. Hamish leads with humility and purpose empowering volunteers, engaging schools and iwi, and delivering a project that uplifts both people and place. Boat Creek Reserve is now a living example of sustainable land stewardship and landscape resilience – a place where native species return, flood flows are buffered and managed, and future generations can experience environmental care in action.

Lifestyle Lawns Artificial Grass

At Lifestyle Lawns, we've redefined what artificial turf can be, shifting away from outdated, plastic heavy products to offer a smarter, more sustainable alternative. Our newest turf innovations are fully recyclable and designed to replicate New Zealand's natural grasses without the need for harsh chemicals, watering or mowing. By eliminating the environmental costs of maintaining traditional lawns, our product promotes long term resource conservation.

The Seed Pod

The Seed Pod is a social enterprise dedicated to fostering a deep connection to nature through a blend of environmental education and the arts. Founded by Sian Crowley in March 2023, it started as a nature connection podcast and has grown into a vibrant hub that offers innovative educational resources and creative storytelling. The Seed Pod has become a prominent figure in the environmental education resource space through free education resource 'Learning Pods’. These combine empowering science communication with engaging and playful design, to encourage meaningful, hands-on learning. So far, we’ve released 20 Learning Pods on topics ranging from native frogs, freshwater tohu/signs, carnivorous plants, and camouflage to climate-resilient cities, identity, pest tracking, and cultural connections to nature.