Sustainability Awards finalists announced for site design and build planning

28 May, 2026

SUSTAINABILITY AWARDS FINALISTS ANNOUNCED FOR SITE DESIGN AND BUILD PLANNING 

The New Zealand National Fieldays Society is proud to announce the finalists for the 2026 Fieldays Sustainability Awards, in association with Instep, recognising exhibitors who are leading the way in sustainable site design and build.  

The awards spotlight exhibitors who are proving that great design doesn’t just look good, it works smarter for the environment too. From clever construction methods to low-waste operations, these finalists are turning practical ideas into real impact on the ground.

Finalists are:

Large Business

Farmlands Co-operative - Selected for a cohesive sustainability plan integrating material reuse, practical systems, and alignment with nationwide initiatives, demonstrating a visible and well-coordinated site approach.

Ravensdown - Selected for a comprehensive plan emphasising reuse, waste minimisation, paperless systems, and innovative recycled materials, including signage made from recycled uniforms, highlights a well-executed and forward-thinking approach.

Louvretec - Selected for a modular, reusable site design with effective waste systems, sustainable materials, low-emissions transport, and planned staff-led sustainability engagement.

Aptella Ltd - Selected for a practical approach prioritising durable materials, eliminating single-use plastics, incorporating waste separation, and reducing travel impacts through carpooling and offsets.

Lothlorian Knitwear - Selected for an efficient low-waste model using reusable materials, closed-loop packaging, low energy use, and a refined modular design supporting reduced transport.

Coca-Cola - Selected for an engaging concept promoting recycling through interactive education, reusable infrastructure, and clear waste systems to influence visitor behaviour.

Small Business

Deejays Gourmet Griller - Selected for a disciplined plan using reusable serveware and efficient systems to minimise impact in a high-volume food environment.

Pure Cabins Ltd - Selected for a low-impact design prioritising efficiency, minimal waste, reusable and biodegradable materials, and reduced transport through carpooling and proximity.

Hydroflow Distributors - Selected for a circular approach featuring a closed-loop water system, no single-use plastics, strong waste sorting, reusable infrastructure, and a public water refill station to encourage visitors to adopt reusable behaviours.

Biochar Network NZ - Selected for an innovative closed-loop concept converting organic waste into biochar and heat, demonstrating carbon capture, minimal waste, and strong educational integration.

K H McConnel Ltd - Selected for a practical low-waste approach using reusable systems, comprehensive waste sorting, high material reuse, reduced printing and carpooling.

Haro NZ - Selected for a simple, low-waste plan reusing display materials, minimising packaging and printing, and reducing transport impacts through efficient travel choices.

Enivo - Selected for a minimalist, plastic-free concept using reusable materials, compostable alternatives, and no power, demonstrating a strong focus on reducing environmental impact.

Get Loaded - Selected for a waste-conscious plan using compostable serveware, flexible menus, clear waste systems, and practical measures to reduce food, water, and resource use.

Janine Frohlich-Monk, Community & Sustainability Executive at the New Zealand National Fieldays Society, says the awards are about driving meaningful, practical change.

“These finalists demonstrate how sustainability can be built into every aspect of an exhibitor’s presence, from the way a site is designed and constructed, to how it operates across the four days of Fieldays. It’s about making conscious choices that reduce environmental impact while still delivering a high-quality experience.”

Finalists were selected using the Sustainable Exhibitor Framework, which provides clear guidance on best practice across key areas including site design and construction methods, material selection and reuse, waste reduction and resource efficiency, transport and logistics planning, and overall on-site behaviour and environmental impact.

The framework not only informs judging but also helps exhibitors identify practical improvements that can extend beyond Fieldays into their everyday operations.

“We’re seeing exhibitors adopt simple but effective changes, and importantly, taking those learnings back into their wider businesses,” says Frohlich-Monk. “That’s where the real impact lies.”

The awards are part of Fieldays’ wider commitment to sustainability, with the event operating under the internationally recognised ISO 20121 standard for sustainable event management.

With more than 100,000 visitors expected, the initiative helps reduce the overall footprint of the event while showcasing what’s possible when innovation meets intent.

Judging will take place live on-site during Fieldays, where finalists will be assessed on how their sustainability efforts perform in the real world.

Winners will be announced on Friday, 12 June, sharing in up to $10,000 worth of Instep services to support further sustainability planning, analysis, and reporting.

Visitors keen to check out these sustainability leaders in action can easily locate all finalists through the Fieldays App, making it simple to plan a visit, explore their sites, and see firsthand how smart design is shaping the future of events.