The New Zealand Green Building Council’s Future Thinker of the Year is awarded annually to a student or recent graduate who has demonstrated environmental knowledge and leadership.

This could be through activism, research, or achievements in and out of work. The award recognises success and passion for green buildings and offers an opportunity to make a real difference across Aotearoa’s built environment.

Previous award winners include Eloise Blewden (MArch student at Victoria University of Wellington), Meredith Dale (Urban Strategist with The Urban Advisory and University of Auckland graduate), Tessa Meyer (Corporate Responsibility Advisor at Eke Panuku), and Kate Boylan (Sustainability Engineer at Tonkin + Taylor). View previous winners here.

The application due date has been extended to Sunday 17 March with nominations due at least a few days prior*.

*Nomination form linked here.
Application form linked here.

New award category: Emerging Leader

Now in its sixth year, the team at the NZGBC has worked closely with their judging panel and sponsors to improve the programme.

In 2024, this year’s judges may also choose to award an Emerging Leader who will be identified from the shortlisted Future Thinkers and who has grown their own network and has already shown and continues to show their commitment to Aotearoa’s sustainably built environment.

The NZGBC say that creating the Emerging Leader Award allows it to acknowledge those who meet the criteria for Future Thinker and may already be more established in the industry through internships, project experience or other networks.

The Future Thinker of the Year Awards will be taking place on 30 April 2024.

NZGBC members-only event

Future Thinkers Panel Discussion - Circular Economy

Date: 9 April 2024
Location: Auckland
CPD Points: 1
Pricing: Free

More info to be confirmed here.

Click here for more info on the Future Thinker of the Year and Emerging Leader awards. Application queries can be sent to future.thinkers@nzgbc.org.nz.