Supporting sustainability innovators at Next Fest

Sustainability is fundamental to the future of strong, resilient business in Aotearoa New Zealand. That’s why NZI is proud to be the Principal Partner of SBN’s Next Fest.

Explore Next Fest events

Join the forum for future-thinkers. Next Fest is a multi-day event to spotlight the trailblazing work of sustainability innovators and disruptors in Aotearoa New Zealand. It showcases groundbreaking sustainability initiatives in action across workshops and talks. November 20 offers the main stage conference event with keynote speakers, and a gala dinner announcing the Sustainability Award winners on 20 November.

Attend Next Fest to be inspired by big-stage keynotes, unpack how-tos, and connect with the brightest minds in business.

  • Dates: Tuesday 18 November to Friday 21 November, 2025

  • Location: Auckland Zoo, Auckland Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT), other Auckland venues, and online

Get details & tickets

Opening Acts

  • 18 to 19 November, 2025

18 November

Future Council screening and Q&A with Damon Gameau, Director

19 November

The Next Economy: rethinking business, innovation and economic systems with WEAll Aotearoa.

Main Stage

  • The Domes, Auckland Zoo

  • 20 November, 2025

Hear from keynote speakers including some of the Next List finalists from 2024 and 2025 on the key themes of global perspectives, fresh ideas, practical solutions, powerful connections, and interactive experiences.

Encore

  • Aviation Hall, MOTAT

  • 20 November, 2025

Be the first to find out and celebrate the winners during the 2025 Sustainable Business Awards gala dinner.

Attend the event in Auckland or watch the livestream in Wellington.

Festival Bonus

  • 21 November, 2025

Attend Ken Webster’s deep dive workshop, Circular design in action with a live case study, reimagining BIC’s iconic lighter.

Who's next? The list is out.

The finalists in the Sustainable Business Awards have been announced.

Discover the innovators, entrepreneurs, projects and organisations that are leading the way in business and sustainability.

Discover who's next

About SBN

Next Fest is proudly brought to you by the Sustainable Business Network (SBN).

SBN works on projects to create system change in the key areas of climate, waste and nature. It's a powerful community and movement of around 500 organisations committed to sustainability.

They connect and share their work, upskill in sustainability and tackle challenges together.

More about SBN