About Mission Zero

We're here to energise and support the business community of Te Tauihu on our journey towards zero carbon. We are an initiative of Businesses for Climate Action.

Our focus is on reducing carbon emissions in our region. We aren’t interested in telling people what they should do. We are here to enable what they can do now.

Businesses for Climate Action was founded in September 2019 and became an Incorporated Charitable Trust in December 2021. Mission Zero was launched in February the following year. Key projects have included a Climate Leaders Programme, Mission Insights (a video series of case-studies), networking groups and a wide range of events and workshops.

Businesses for Climate Action was the winner of the prestigious and hotly-contested Sustainable Business Network 2021 ‘Communicating for Impact’ Award. The judges commented: “The Businesses for Climate Action campaign has been a model for other regions across Aotearoa to collaborate and include a widening circle of businesses…”

SBA - Communicating for impact award

Our team

Florence Van Dyke

Trustee

Florence is the co-founder of Chia Sisters, on the Steering Committee of Future Food Aotearoa, is the Head of Sustainability at a New Zealand government agency and is an Enterprise and Global Women Asia Sustainability Fellow. She has a Masters of Laws (University of California, Berkeley), has worked at Bell Gully and for the United Nations, and was recognised on the 2019 Asia Pacific Forbes 30 under 30 List.

Bruce Gilkison

Trustee

Bruce is a Chartered Accountant (awarded Fellowship in 2021) and published writer. He has promoted environmental sustainability in businesses in Aotearoa over several decades, and is currently active in Zero Carbon Nelson Tasman and Nelson Tasman Climate Forum. He is a regular contributor to climate change and sustainability articles in Australia/New Zealand’s Acuity magazine.

Marta Karlik-Neale

Trustee

Marta Karlik-Neale, a highly experienced sustainability and environmental management professional with over twenty years of expertise. She specialises in sustainability strategy, mitigation, adaptation, and stakeholder engagement. Marta is currently serving as Sustainability & Resilience Principal at Tonkin + Taylor where she continues to drive positive change in sustainable practices.

Natalie Gilberd

Lead Activator

Natalie has worked in marketing, communications and engagement in the non-profit sectors for over twenty years, primarily centred around well-being, the arts and culture. She holds a Bachelor in Design (Hons, Massey University), is a business owner and a professional consultant. Her care for the environment is driven by a deep love of nature and of her two young sons.

Frequently asked Questions

Business sustainability is the practice of doing business in a way that doesn’t undermine your ability to operate safely and productively over the long term, or negatively impact your environment or community. It’s also about preparing for unexpected disruptions and building resilience to them.

Sustainable thinking is all about ensuring that your business’s foundations and infrastructure are sound. You can avoid a lot of risk – and cost – by identifying where your business might be having a negative impact. You can also take advantage of opportunities by planning ahead. Caring for our environment is becoming increasingly important to customers and staff. And policies are coming into effect which may require you to take action in time too. Getting ahead on all of this now makes good business sense.

Head to our Mission Insights series page to watch interviews with local business people who are taking steps towards more sustainable business models. Or browse our News and Inspiration listings to learn more.

Head to the Act page on this website for a quick guide on how you can start taking action. Sign up to our e-newsletter for information and event alerts. Or contact us if you just want to have a chat. We’re here to help!

We're grateful for the generous contribution of time and resources from the following:

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