On March 20^th, the annual awards gala for Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards Ngā Tohu Pou Kōhure o Aotearoa took place at Viaduct Events Centre. Among the prestigious accolades awarded, Emma Lewisham received the Spark New Zealand Innovator of the Year award, a fitting recognition of her groundbreaking work in the beauty industry.

The Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards honour those who have inspired positive change to the country through their passion and dedication. The category of Spark New Zealand Innovator of the Year celebrates individuals who stand out as game changers in their respective fields, highlighting their ability to leverage insight, ingenuity and creativity to forge a better future for Aotearoa.

Emma Lewisham, co-founder and executive chairman of her eponymous brand, was nominated for creating the world’s first climate-positive, circular beauty company. Under her leadership, the company has successfully cut 100 tonnes of carbon emissions and set new benchmarks for eco-friendly practices within the beauty sector on a global scale. These significant strides in sustainability, alongside Lewisham’s inventiveness and resourcefulness, perfectly exemplify the ethos of the category.

Lewisham’s innovative approach has transformed the beauty industry by introducing an industry-first circular beauty model, which significantly minimises landfill waste. Her commitment to transparency and environmental accountability has earned her recognition as both a beauty innovator and a champion of ethical business practices, including a personal endorsement from Dr. Jane Goodall.

With a robust academic background in physiology and biochemistry from Harvard University, Emma has continuously pushed the boundaries of skincare science. The brand’s unique physiology-first formulation approach, backed by world-leading independent testing, has proven that their methods yield products that outperform many leading brands in the market. Lewisham believes in being a force for good, allowing science to harness the intelligence of nature. This philosophy is at the core of her brand and has redefined what consumers expect from skincare.

In her acceptance speech, Emma expressed gratitude, stating, “I’m incredibly honoured to be named Spark Innovator of the Year. I believe that operating from a place of integrity and keeping problem-solving at the heart of everything we do has naturally led to innovation. I dedicate this award to the Emma Lewisham team—whose vision, persistence, and unwavering commitment have transformed industry standards and redefined what’s possible.”

Lewisham’s recognition at the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards not only marks a significant milestone in her career but also serves as an inspiration to others in the industry. Her pioneering work emphasises the importance of sustainability, innovation, and ethical practices in creating a better, more responsible future for the beauty industry and beyond.

Congratulations to Emma Lewisham on this well-deserved accolade!