HRD Awards NZ winners announced

The inaugural event celebrates the best in the business

HRD Awards NZ winners announced

The winners of the inaugural HRD Awards New Zealand have been announced, showcasing the industry leaders from across the country.

Brought to you by Key Media, this year’s gongs celebrate the incredible breath of talent stepping up to the plate after one of the most challenging periods in the history of HR.

No employer was left unscathed by the life-changing impact of the global pandemic and nationwide lockdowns.

But in a time of crisis, HR professionals went above and beyond to look after their people and lead businesses through the uncertainty.

Monica Watt, CHRO at ELMO Software, the event partner of the NZ HRD Awards, said the company is thrilled to be celebrating the amazing human resources talent that New Zealand holds.

“2020 was such a challenging year for many, and HR as first line responders in business had arguably one of the most difficult roles to play, tackling a distributed workforce, maintaining compliance obligations, employee wellbeing and more, all while ensuring business continuity,” she said.

“We’re incredibly proud of the HR community - congratulations to all the nominees, finalists and winners of the 2021 HRD Awards New Zealand.”

Below are the winners of the first five categories, with the remaining eight to be announced on Thursday.

BEST GRADUATE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

Winner: Xero

Excellence Awardee: Ministry for Primary Industries

BEST HEALTH & WELLBEING PROGRAM

Winner: Chorus

Excellence Awardees: Bank of New Zealand (BNZ)

Southern Cross Health Insurance

Xero

BEST REWARD & RECOGNITION PROGRAM

Winner: Central Hawke's Bay District Council

Excellence Awardees: Bank of New Zealand (BNZ)

Z Energy

BEST WORKPLACE DIVERSITY & INCLUSION PROGRAM

Winner: Ministry for Primary Industries

Excellence Award: Xero

BEST WORKPLACE FLEXIBILITY PROGRAM

Winner: Ministry for Primary Industries

Excellence Awardees: AbbVie New Zealand

Hamilton City Council

Schneider Electric New Zealand

Xero