One New Zealand: ESG, Decarbonisation & Sustainable Telco
Formerly Vodafone New Zealand, One New Zealand is the country’s largest wireless carrier.
Founded in 1998, it provides mobile, broadband, fixed-line and internet services nationwide.
It operates one of New Zealand’s most extensive 5G networks alongside the only remaining 2G network, ensuring connectivity reaches both urban and rural communities.
Why One New Zealand won
One New Zealand was named Medium Company of the Year at the Global Sustainability Awards 2025 for its comprehensive approach to embedding ESG principles across its operations.
The teleco has committed to measurable action in three core areas:
- Environmental impact: The business runs on renewable energy and has embedded circularity through its Trade-In and RE:MOBILE device recycling programmes. It has also decommissioned energy-intensive legacy equipment and prioritised AI-driven efficiencies to reduce its carbon footprint.
- Social responsibility: Through Te Rourou, One Aotearoa Foundation and One Good Kiwi, the company invests in youth programmes, community initiatives and digital equity projects that bridge the digital divide.
- Governance and resilience: By strengthening its emergency network capability, building robust governance frameworks and fostering an inclusive workplace culture, One New Zealand demonstrates that connectivity must be both reliable and ethical.
“We weren't sure we were going to get this award, we’re so thrilled and excited,” says Charles Van Tuyckom, Manager of Sustainable Investment at Morrison, upon receiving the award.
Morrison is the investment management company of Infratil that acquired One New Zealand in 2023.
This integrated approach highlights not just operational excellence but also a purpose-led model that positions sustainability as a central business driver.
Evaluation criteria
The Medium Company of the Year Award recognises organisations that demonstrate excellence across four areas:
- Environmental and social contribution: One New Zealand scores highly here, with its long-term emissions reduction strategy, circular device initiatives and commitment to fostering kaitiakitanga (guardianship of the environment).
- Stakeholder and community engagement: With initiatives like Te Rourou and sustainable recycling partnerships, the company ensures that sustainability is inclusive, with tangible benefits for customers, employees and wider communities.
- Innovation and adaptability: The company is a leader in adapting new technologies to advance sustainability goals. AI-driven efficiencies, renewable-powered operations and digital equity programmes demonstrate strong innovation aligned with long-term adaptability.
- Sustainability metrics and outcomes: Measuring its carbon footprint since 2007, recycling at least 95% of network waste and running on electricity generated from 100% renewable sources highlight One New Zealand’s sector-leading ESG performance.
“I feel thrilled for a New Zealand company to be recognised on a global scale, it’s amazing,” says Madeleine Simmonds, Finance Manager at Morrison, at the awards ceremony.
A framework rooted in purpose
One New Zealand’s Sustainability Kaupapa reflects its guiding principle: Whatungarongaro te tangata, toitū te whenua which translates to "as people disappear from sight, the land remains".
This framework aligns its strategy with Aotearoa’s cultural values while delivering measurable business and community outcomes.
By embedding sustainability into governance, operations and culture, One New Zealand shows how technology can accelerate the transition to a low-carbon, inclusive future.