Many business owners are doing far more for sustainability than they realise.

Whether it's reducing waste, supporting local community initiatives, encouraging suppliers to minimise packaging, or simply making more conscious business decisions, these actions all contribute to a more sustainable Selwyn. Yet many organisations still assume they aren't doing enough to enter the 2026 Responsible Business Awards.

According to Maree Hamilton, Coordinator at Selwyn Responsible Business Network, that's exactly the misconception her team are working to overcome.

"The awards aren't looking for one business to save the world," she explains.

Instead, they celebrate businesses, educators, and community groups that are making genuine efforts to create positive environmental, social, and community outcomes.

We caught up with Maree to discuss the awards, and her passion was immediately evident. After returning to New Zealand following several years in Europe, Maree joined the Selwyn Responsible Business Network (part of Lincoln Envirotown Trust), having previously been involved with the organisation as an awards assessor in 2024.

She brings extensive experience from working on large-scale sustainability projects and is passionate about engaging with local businesses. She looks forward to continuing conversations with the Selwyn business community about the environmental, social, and community initiatives helping to shape a more sustainable future.

Sustainability Comes in Many Forms

One of the unique aspects of the 2026 Responsible Business Awards is their broad definition of sustainability. The awards recognise a wide range of initiatives, from environmental programmes and waste reduction through to community involvement and social impact.

Importantly, participation isn't limited to large organisations with dedicated sustainability teams.

"Many of our participants are owner-operators with no employees," says Hamilton. Any Selwyn-based business, educator or community group is eligible to enter.

That means the local café reducing single-use waste, the tradesperson encouraging suppliers to take back packaging, or the small business owner volunteering their time in the community could all be strong contenders.

No Certification Required

For businesses that have considered entering but worried they need a formal sustainability strategy, Hamilton has a simple message: you don't. Participants do not need sustainability certifications, extensive documentation or a formal environmental plan to take part.

Instead, assessors are looking for organisations that are committed to making a difference, however that may look for their business.

Examples that often impress assessors include businesses that proactively challenge suppliers to reduce waste, organisations that generously support community initiatives outside their core operations, and individuals who genuinely "walk the talk" by embedding sustainable values into both their business and personal lives.

A Supportive and Positive Process

Another concern for some business owners is the perceived time commitment involved in entering awards programmes.

However, Hamilton says the assessment process is designed to be informal and approachable. Most assessments take around 45 minutes and involve an informal conversation about the participant's sustainability strengths, successes and challenges.

In fact, some assessments run much longer simply because participants are excited to share the initiatives they are already undertaking.

Beyond assessment, the Selwyn Responsible Business Network also aims to connect participants with a diverse network of people, organisations, supply chain partners, and resources, fostering valuable relationships and providing support wherever possible.

Every Action Counts

At its heart, the 2026 Responsible Business Awards are about recognising the desire, enthusiasm, and commitment businesses demonstrate as they make progress on their sustainability journey, rather than expecting perfection.

The programme exists to celebrate the often-unsung sustainability efforts taking place throughout Selwyn and to encourage more organisations to take their next step, no matter how small.

As Hamilton puts it, "No sustainability endeavour is too big or small." Businesses, educators and community groups that are making positive changes are encouraged to get involved and share their stories.

With assessments running through to the end of September, now is the time for organisations to put aside doubts and recognise that sustainability is not about being perfect - it's about being willing to contribute to positive change.

Next steps

Taking part is simple, friendly and practical. An assessors will visit you for 30-40 minutes to learn more about your business’s strength, successes, what challenges you face and how we can best support you to celebrate your sustainable business amongst your peers.

To register your interest, contact Chris Stagg:

selwynrbnawards@gmail.com

022 476 7932

www.lincolnenvirotown.org.nz

Entries are open now, until the end of September.