The number of entries to the Diversity Awards NZ™ has increased by 75 per cent this year, with organisations across New Zealand showcasing more than 90 initiatives designed to increase diversity and inclusion in our workplaces.
“The Diversity Awards NZ have been running for 21 years, celebrating the best in workplace diversity and inclusion initiatives,” says Diversity Works New Zealand Chief Executive Rachel Hopkins. “This year, the volume, quality and geographical spread of entries is inspiring. There is positive work being done all around Aotearoa, by organisations, both big and small, to build inclusive and high-performing workplaces.”
Specialist judges have been brought on board this year to evaluate the large number of entries. “We are fortunate to have a judging panel that offers a wide range of experience and knowledge of best practices in diversity and inclusion in the workplace,” Hopkins says.
Judging convener Neil Porteous, the Tāmaki Regeneration Company General Manager of Housing, will be joined by:
- Distinguished Professor Paul Spoonley from Massey University
- Leadership consultant and executive coach Nathalie Gray from Authent Limited
- Enterprise Dunedin Director and Diversity Works New Zealand trustee John Christie
- BNZ Director of People and Communications Kate Daly
- Primary Industry Training Organisation’s national literacy and numeracy specialist Mike Styles
- Programme Director at The Rainbow Tick Michael Stevens
- Diversity Works New Zealand Chief Executive Rachel Hopkins
“This is my ninth year as a judge for the Diversity Awards NZ and once again the standard of the entries reinforces the increasing focus that organisations are placing on diversity initiatives,” Porteous says.
“The breadth of areas covered by the initiatives is evidence that businesses continue to understand the clear and measurable benefits that diversity brings to their organisations.”
There are nine categories in the awards and winners will be announced at the 2018 Diversity Awards NZ Gala Dinner at Cordis Auckland on Wednesday, 29 August. “This is a unique celebration of diversity in the workplace, and an opportunity to hear from organisations that are championing an inclusive culture to drive performance and employee engagement,” says Hopkins.
