Congratulations to Champion organisations Fonterra Co-operative Group, New Zealand Post and Powerco, who were honoured in this year’s NZ HR Awards!
The ceremony last week, marking the 26th year of the awards and the 40th anniversary of Human Resources New Zealand (HRNZ), was hosted by HRNZ in association with AMP. The awards recognise excellence and leadership within Aotearoa New Zealand’s HR community.
Champion organisation Fonterra Co-Operative Group received the Future of Work Award for its Engineering++ SWAT initiative, created to address a critical engineering skills shortage. By leveraging a cross-functional team and design-thinking approach, phase one of the initiative was able to launch an Engineering Career website, a targeted value proposition, and clear career pathways within six months, leading to a 39% increase in Engineering Apprenticeship applications and improved gender and cultural diversity among apprentices. The targeted website attracted over 3500 engineers, and the Engineering Talent Forum encouraged sustainable talent development by promoting from within, filling 56% of engineering vacancies in three months.
The Organisational Change & Development Award was won by Champion organisation New Zealand Post, in recognition of its Just Transition (JT) programme, created in partnership with union E tū. Initially aiding 150 workers from closing facilities, the JT programme expanded to help support more employees through organisational changes— offering workshops, capability initiatives, and ‘Level Up with JT’ life skills training. Showing 87%-95% participation, the initiative reduced absenteeism by 4% and increased productivity by 15%-25%, emphasizing a people-first approach for future-ready employees.
Champion organisation Powerco’s Leadership and Capability Manager Kacey Graham was presented the Emerging Māori HR Award, for her contributions to promoting te ao Māori, nurturing a culturally safe space and supporting emerging Māori leaders. Kacey developed Powerco’s Leadership Development Programme (LDP), which incorporates Te Whare Tapa Whā principles and has contributed greatly to the integration of te ao Māori in the organisation, increasing understanding and support amongst non-Māori, and developing a richer and more culturally diverse leadership environment.
Congratulations to all entrants, finalists, and award winners from the night. Further Champion finalists included KPMG, One NZ, Southern Cross Healthcare, SkyCity Entertainment group, and ASB. For a full list of winners and more information about the awards, go to HRNZ: NZ HR Awards