Westpac also took home the People's Choice and the Trailblazer Large and Corporate Business awards.

The Judges were particularly impressed by Westpac's high level of commitment to sustainability across management levels. It has instigated sustainability initiatives in a number of business areas such as carbon trading, an impulse savings product, financial literacy programmes, recyclable bank cards and communication of sustainability issues to customers.

Rachel Brown, chief executive of the Sustainable Business Network (SBN), was impressed with the company's focus on addressing the most material impacts of its business and its long-term view of sustainability.

The National Sustainable Business Network Awards were presented by MCs, senior Sunday Star-Times journalist Rod Oram and Back Benches host Wallace Chapman, in front of a who's who of the country's most sustainable businesses.

Mayor Len Brown welcomed all guests to Auckland. For many it was their first visit to Shed 10, the city's social hub during Rugby World Cup 2011.

The full list of winners and judges' commendations:

SBN represents more than 600 New Zealand organisations which recognise the importance of balancing the needs of people, planet and profit in their day-to-day operations.

NZI is one of SBN's foundation partners and is the principal sponsor of the national SBN awards for the fourth consecutive year.  Additional sponsors include The University of Waikato Management School; Ricoh; Corporate Express; Pure Advantage; EECA Business; Wright Communications; Element; and Vodafone.

Executive general manager Karl Armstrong says it is great to see an increasing number of companies committed to making their business more sustainable.

"The SBN Awards are a great way to recognise and support these companies. We're delighted that Westpac has been named the 2011 NZI Sustainable Business of the Year and offer our congratulations to all the winners," says Mr Armstrong.

Businesses can enter the awards in two ways:

1. By participation in the SBN's 'Get Sustainable Challenge', which helps businesses to identify, measure and improve their sustainable development;
2. Or they can enter the National Category Awards via a separate entry form i.e. Sustainable Design and Innovation Award; Social Innovation Award; and the Sustainability Champion Award.

For more information on the finalists and winners go to: http://www.sustainableawards.org.nz/2011

Ends