Drop-in outfit up for award

Akau co-founder Ana Heremaia (left) with Tony and Jaymee Makiha of Waima at the opening of a pop-up space on Broadway, Kaikohe.

A Kaikohe organisation is a finalist in the 2015 NZI Sustainable Business Network Award for its work in the community.

A design and architecture studio with a social conscience, Akau is a finalist in the EcoPro Cleaning Co Community Innovation category.

The company describes itself as having a vision to weave together youth creativity, community strengths and design, to develop innovative solutions to the challenges facing communities today.

Set up as a drop-in centre on Broadway in 2014, Akau runs workshops and aims to get youth into employment.

It aims to empower youth to achieve their full potential and create positive change in their own communities by engaging them in the design of real projects. The Akau team includes interior architect Ana Heremaia, architect and artist Ruby Watson and architect Felicity Brenchley.

CEO of the Sustainable Business Network (SBN) Rachel Brown said the finalists were leading the transformation to a more sustainable New Zealand.

"Our awards are all about recognising the tremendous role they play in this transformation and how important it is for us to share their stories of success," she said.

"We had a very high number of entries this year which reflects the increasing number of companies who can demonstrate the tangible value they gain from sustainability. I congratulate all these organisations on their achievement in reaching the finals of the awards. I'm really looking forward to celebrating their achievements at our awards night."

-The winners will be announced at a ceremony on November 24 in Auckland.