To mark the 25th celebration of the awards, we are opening a new nominated category for the Diversity Champion Award. This award will recognise an individual who, through their work and advocacy, have made a personal impact on building a more inclusive Aotearoa New Zealand during the past year.
Being a champion for diversity, equity and inclusion means more than being a supporter for a cause. It means more than being able to tell a lived experience story of exclusion. A champion for diversity, equity and inclusion is someone who expertly uses their knowledge, skills, experience and emotional intelligence to build an environment of belonging for others.
As a nominated category (as opposed to self-entry), entries consist of a brief motivation by a nominator, supportive letters, references and evidence, and a statement of acceptance by the nominee. Selection will be based on an exemplary commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion as evidenced through a record of achievement, acts of service, projects or events.
Find out more here
How do I know which category to enter?
Our category descriptions section has lots of information and detailed judging criteria. You can also sign up for one of our Awards Entry Assistance workshops to find out more about the new award categories – we are running these online and will have a recording available afterwards.
Can we enter more than one category?
Yes. All entries submitted must fulfil the entry requirements of the chosen category.
Can we enter a programme of work we are running in an overseas office?
No, entries must relate to workplace diversity and inclusion programmes or initiatives benefitting employees who are resident and working in New Zealand.
We are a previous winner – can we enter this again?
Yes, but if you are entering a programme or initiative that has previously won a Diversity Awards NZ™ category or been highly commended by the judging panel, you must provide evidence of significant new development.
Our business supplies services that increase diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Can we enter the awards?
The Impact category is open to organisations in the private and/or charitable sectors whose core business is to facilitate the provision of more equitable workplace opportunities.
Our organisation does work in the community to support diversity and inclusion. Can we enter those programmes?
No, entries must provide evidence of how your organisation is advancing a culture of diversity and inclusion within the New Zealand workplace.
Should we enter under our organisation’s name or the name of the programme or initiative?
Entrants will be referred to by the name they entered under on the official online entry form throughout the awards programme and on all subsequent awards collateral or marketing material produced to support the awards programme. Entering these awards sends a signal to the workforce that you are a business that values diversity and inclusion so it’s preferable to enter under your organisation’s name, enhancing your employer brand. Please ensure all names and titles are correct as they cannot be changed halfway through the programme.
How can I add more photos or evidence files?
We are happy for you to email us extra photos to awards@diversityworksnz.org.nz – please include the name of the organisation and the entry category the photos illustrate. We allow entrants to submit up to six PDFs as supporting evidence for each entry to ensure reviewing entries is manageable for our judges. Supporting evidence must not exceed 2000 words.
Can I just upload or send a PDF or hard copy of my entry?
No, a separate online entry form is required to be submitted for each award entered, using the online form.
Why do we need to provide photographs?
We use entrant photographs to illustrate the case studies produced for finalists and the annual magazine we create to showcase our award winners.
I can’t submit my entry – the system is not accepting it.
Check that you have completed all the fields across the entry tabs.
Do you have finalists?
Yes, finalists will be announced after entries close.
What happens if I am a finalist?
Our team will be in touch to let you know when representatives from our judging panel can do a physical or online site visit. We will also work with you to create a short video of the work you are doing.
When will we find out if we have won?
We plan to announce our winners at an event in August. Make sure you have signed up for our newsletters and we will keep you posted with all the details.