Social Enterprise and Sustainability Insights from Ākina at Te Herenga Waka

Ākina Senior Consultant, Nick Douglas speaking to Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, MGMT 211 Sustainability and the SDGs in Business class.

Ākina Senior Consultant, Nick Douglas recently joined a panel at Ōrauariki, Wellington School of Business and Government for the MGMT 211 class: “Sustainability and the SDGs in Business".

Nick was joined by Jaz O'Donnell from the Sustainable Business Network and Lambrini Phillips from Young Enterprise, where they discussed the crucial role and mechanisms of organisations that support businesses on their sustainability journey.

Nick shared how social sustainability—the ability of society to enhance the well-being of its members, both present and future—is deeply interconnected with environmental sustainability.

He emphasised the importance of:
• Equity & social justice
• Community resilience
• Quality of life
• Long-term stability

Using the Waka Aronui Social Car Leasing Programme as a case study, Nick highlighted how Ākina collaborated with Manukau Urban Māori Authority (MUMA), The Tindall Foundation, Toyota, Russell McVeagh, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi to co-design and launch an initiative that provides families with safer, affordable, lower-emissions vehicles.

This collaboration not only reduces environmental impact through hybrid vehicles, but also enhances financial resilience, well-being, and community connections for whānau, making a real difference in people’s lives.

🌱 Social enterprise isn’t just business as usual—it’s a vehicle for change, creating social and environmental value that benefits both people and the planet.

A big mihi to Te Herenga Waka, Victoria University of Wellington for hosting this important kōrero on the future of sustainable business! Ākina looks forward to seeing the pipeline of positive impact advocates and champions and grow💡