Wao co-founder and communication director Arna Craig said in a recent statement that in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, connecting to purpose was "no longer just a trend — it's an imperative".
"The days when companies could prioritise profit at the expense of the planet and people are gone.
"Consumers, employees and stakeholders alike are demanding more from the businesses they support, and those who fail to adapt risk being left behind.
"It’s not only the right thing to do, it makes good business sense.
"This shift isn't optional — it's essential for long-term success."
The summit begins on Tuesday and finishes on Saturday.
It includes a session by Wao co-founder Monique Kelly, of Wanaka, titled "How to shift a system: stepping through the process of how to drive transformative change through a systems lens".
Business owners seeking to transform their approach can learn more about sustainability and purpose at a Better Business Day, where they will hear from industry leaders and B Corp consultants, including Grow Good consultant Tim Jones, of Christchurch.
Mrs Craig said the summit focuses on actionable strategies for integrating sustainability into every aspect of business, from operations to customer engagement.
The summit would also address complex global challenges such as climate change, social inequality, resource scarcity and the role businesses have in addressing those issues.
Wao Summit, now in its 7th year, also hosts sessions, workshops and events on topics ranging from Makarora’s endangered mohua, nature and garden walks, saving an ecology in crisis, food resilience, worm farming, health, demographics and cyber security.
MORE INFO: Tickets and the full programme at wao.co.nz
