Open for applications: The Next Generation Scholarship 2025

Are you one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s future climate leaders?

We’re excited to open applications for the 2025 Next Generation Scholarship, proudly sponsored by thinkstep-anz.

Young people are shaping the future of climate action. That’s why we’re supporting seven students and early-career professionals to join the conversation. Each Next Generation Scholarship covers the full cost ($1,650) of attending the Climate Change & Business Conference in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland on 8 & 9 September 2025.

Quick onsite registration

This is more than just a free ticket. It’s a chance to:

connect with Aotearoa New Zealand’s climate leaders
take part in climate and business discussions
build the knowledge and networks to shape your own impact.

If you're aged 18–30 and passionate about climate action and the role of business, we want to hear from you. Apply now for the 2024 Next Generation Scholarship, and be part of the movement driving ambition, accountability, and action.

Applications for the Next Generation Scholarship are open until Monday 14 July.

Apply here:
CCBC Next Generation Scholarship 2025

Who can apply?

Aged 18-30
Work in sustainability and intending to build your career in this field OR studying towards a qualification relevant to sustainability with the intention of building a career in sustainability. Many disciplines contribute to a more sustainable future, including but not limited to engineering, communications, environmental science, law, management, and finance.
Unable to attend the conference without financial support (e.g., you cannot be funded by an employer, institute, or other party).

What is included?

A conference ticket to attend the New Zealand Climate Change and Business Conference Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland on 8 & 9 September, 2025 in person.
Opportunities to engage with industry leaders and expand your professional network.
Invite to a networking breakfast with thinkstep-anz
Insights into the latest climate action strategies and sustainability practices.
Note: The scholarship covers the conference ticket but does not include travel or accommodation costs.

Apply here:
CCBC Next Generation Scholarship 2025

What past recipients have to say:

Jaquān Nin from Wellington works for Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira
as a resource management advisor in the environment team.

The conference emphasised the urgency of the current global climate crisis. The once abundant natural world is diminishing, and the degradation of Papatūānuku is accelerating. The ongoing decline of our planetary life support systems is adversely affecting both livelihoods and lives. It is imperative that we do not transfer the consequences of our decisions to future generations. As (Climate Change Commission Chair Rodd Carr pointed out, the wealthy cannot secure a prosperous future on a deteriorating planet. Our challenge lies in creating an economy that not only restores nature but also operates within the true limits of our planet.

Allie Morris from Westport works as the
Environmental Planning Lead at Westland Mineral Sands.

The conference emphasised the vital intersection of nature and climate, positioning New Zealand, and especially the West Coast, as leaders in integrating and demonstrating meaningful impact in these areas. Embedding sustainability into our core strategy and fostering community partnerships emerged as essential. Shifting social norms requires engagement from just 20% of the population, and future-focused decision-making is crucial. As an aspiring leader, I am dedicated to applying these lessons to enhance our ESG strategies and drive meaningful, sustainable change.

Elliot Blyth from Dunedin works as researcher,
designer and coordinator at Nature Positive.

I appreciated seeing the full spectrum of corporate climate action that CCBC had to offer, including the urgency of the crisis, how the Government is responding, and what business leaders are doing. There are some encouraging signs of progress – especially the fact that almost all business sectors have some climate focus– but the challenge remains immense.