The 20th annual Diversity Awards New Zealand was held this evening, showcasing innovation in the HR industry.
New Zealand employers on the vanguard of diversity and inclusion have tonight been recognised in an industry-leading gala at Auckland’s Langham Hotel.
Now in its 20th year, Diversity Awards New Zealand celebrates organisations that are innovating in the field of diversity while also providing an opportunity for HR to share ideas and strategy.
Tourism Operator Real Journeys took the most coveted accolade of the night, winning the Supreme Award for its training initiative which harnesses the experience of its aging workers to provide exceptional learning opportunities for young people in the Otago and Southland regions.
The company has become one of the country’s biggest maritime training employers – second only to the Navy – thanks to its scheme which sees the next generation of skippers receive training and mentoring from launch masters who are nearing retirement.
“Real Journeys is not just learning about diversity and inclusion, it’s living it every day as part of its operation,” said Bev Cassidy-Mackenzie, chief executive of Diversity Works NZ.
“They are deserving winners and prove that diversity and inclusion is not solely the domain of corporations based in big cities; it’s alive and well in heartland New Zealand.”
Diversity Awards NZ 2017 Award winners
Supreme Award – Real Journeys
Tomorrow’s Workforce Award – Real Journeys
Empowerment Award – Air New Zealand
Skills Highway Award – Waste Management NZ Ltd
Positive Inclusion Award – ANZ
Cultural Celebration Award – Māori Women’s Development Inc
Diversability Award – Coffee Educators Ltd
Work Life Balance Award – Lion
Walk the Talk Award – Fatu Patolo, Coca-Cola Amatil
Emerging Diversity and Inclusion Award – The Warehouse Group
Highly Commended Awards
Russell McVeagh – Tomorrow’s Workforce
Fletcher Building Limited – Emerging Diversity and Inclusion Award
Elizabeth Knox Home & Hospital – Cultural Celebration Award