News & Media

We’re delighted to welcome Tracey Ryan and the team at Aurecon to Global Women’s Champions for Change network!

By becoming a partner of Champions for Change, Aurecon is stepping into a collective commitment to lead change for working communities and cultures across Aotearoa New Zealand – grounded in accountability, inclusion, and impact.We’re proud to work alongside organisations and leaders who are prepared to influence beyond their own walls and help shape more inclusive, future-fit workplaces for all.

Nau mai, haere mai Tracey and the team at Aurecon.

Aurecon released the below statement on their website:

This article was originally uploaded by The Post. Read the full article here.

Champions for Change marks a decade of commitment and measurable progress on leadership diversity

• Champions for Change today marks the ten-year anniversary of the collective’s commitment to drive measurable progress toward diverse workforces in Aotearoa New Zealand
• This year marks the eighth report release, with 42 organisations reporting againstgender, ethnicity and pay equity commitments
• In 2025, 30% of Champion CEOs are women – more than double the nationalaverage – with boards on track to achieve full gender balance by 2027

Thursday 25th September 2025, Tāmaki Makaurau, Aotearoa New Zealand –

Champions for Change, a collective of over 80 leading CEOs and Chairs anchored by Global Women, today releases its eighth annual Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Impact Report, marking ten years of commitment to driving measurable progress towards gender-balanced leadership through the transparent collection and public reporting of diversity data. Champions for Change brings together New Zealand’s most influential leaders, committed to driving equity and inclusion at scale.

Founded in 2015, Champions for Change is guided by the 40:40:20 framework. This sets a clear aspiration: 40% women, 40% men and 20% of any gender at every level of an organisation. By embedding this balance into boards, senior leadership teams and wider structures, Champions ensure representation is intentional, measurable and sustainable. This year’s report draws on data submitted by Champion organisations, continuing members’ commitment to track progress transparently over time and to shift the dial towards a New Zealand workforce that is accessible, progressive and successful for everyone, everywhere.

The results show gender balance is now within reach across most categories. Thirty-one
organisations have already achieved gender balance in their overall workforce, and with
sustained attention – particularly on board appointments – many Champions are on track to
reach full board-level balance by 2027.

Key findings of the 2025 report include:

• At CEO level, 30% of Champion organisations are now led by women; which is more than double the national average. Of the six NZX50 female CEOs, five are Champions
• Five organisations – BNZ, PwC, Westpac, NZTE and AIA – have closed their “power gaps” entirely, achieving gender balance at every level of their organisations
• Gains are not limited to traditionally inclusive sectors: Champions are making inroads into industries historically dominated by men, including transport, manufacturing, construction and energy.
• In five out of eight industries, Champions outperformed their competitors, showing that meaningful change is possible in every sector when leaders commit to accountability.

Antonia Watson, CEO of ANZ New Zealand and Co-Chair of Champions for Change says:

“Champions for Change’s tenth anniversary is a significant milestone. Champions are united not just by reporting commitments, but by a shared drive for change.

“Through an intentional focus on building gender-balanced leadership, thirty percent of Champion CEOs are now women, boards are on track to reach balance by 2027, and five organisations have closed their power gaps entirely.

“These results show that setting goals and being transparent about progress works. Diverse workplaces tend to drive stronger governance, sharper decision-making, and more innovative teams – all of which helps long-term business performance.

“We are making measurable progress, and while there is more to do, this report proves that collective commitment and focus on gender equity can deliver change.”

Roger Gray, CEO of Port of Auckland and Co-Chair of Champions for Change says: “This is more than a reporting initiative – it is a strategic movement to create long-term, measurable change across every sector of the economy. Together, Champions are shaping a future where inclusive leadership is the norm, not the exception.

“These findings matter because they show that progress is possible across every sector – even in industries like transport, manufacturing, construction and energy that have traditionally lagged. Reporting shows that Champions are outperforming peers in five out of eight industries, proving that equity is not only socially right but also commercially smart.

“At Port of Auckland, we are accelerating gender equity and inclusion alongside strong business results, demonstrating that diversity is a driver of resilience and long-term performance.”

Beyond reporting commitments, Champions continue to make inroads day to day to advance their collective mission. Over the past year they have worked together to deliver practical, sector-leading initiatives including gender pay gap reporting and publishing an evidence-based playbook to help organisations measure and grow authentic belonging.

In April, more than 50 CEOs and Chairs convened at Waitangi to reaffirm their shared commitment to inclusive and representative leadership in a post-Treaty nation. Later this year, Champions will also launch a parental leave framework that sets aspirational
benchmarks for inclusive policies.

This year’s Champions for Change Diversity and Inclusion Report 2025 can be found here – including an overview of ten years of progress and the full-length report, with all 2025 data in detail published on globalwomen.top/.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Contact:
For media enquiries, please contact: Isobel Kerr-Newell on behalf of Champions for Change
and Global Women
isobel@artemiscomms.co.nz | +64 27 886 0140

Imagery: Download headshots of Antonia Watson (CEO of ANZ and Co-Chair of
Champions for Change) and Roger Gray (CEO of Port of Auckland and Co-Chair of
Champions for Change) here.

About Champions for Change and Global Women:
Champions for Change, a strategy of Global Women, is a collective of leaders, who
connect, learn and lead change for working communities and cultures in Aotearoa New
Zealand. Their vision is to see accessible, progressive and successful employment for
everyone everywhere. It includes 80+ of the nation’s top executives (CEOs and Chairs)
representative of Aotearoa’s private and public sector organisations and a workforce of more
than 170,000 employees. As a collective they come together to shine light – building
awareness and knowledge and take action – creating accountability and impact.
www.championsforchange.info

Global Women is a non-profit membership organisation that has been driving diversity in
leadership through promoting, encouraging and facilitating the development of women for 15
years. The organisation is proud to partner with and support some of New Zealand’s most
ambitious organisations, who are committed to driving increased diversity and inclusion in
their workplaces. With over 400 Global Women members, the community is recognised for
their ability to influence and impact, advocate for diversity, equality and leadership. Global
Women’s Breakthrough Leaders and Activate leadership programmes have catapulted
forward the careers of over 400 women. www.globalwomen.org.nz

We are excited to announce that ONE NZ has renewed their partnership with Global Women and Champions for Change.

The released the following statement: 

“One NZ is proud to double down on its strategic partnership with Global Women, renewing for a further three years and underscoring our ongoing commitment to helping women thrive at work.

Beginning 2022, the partnership with Global Women has become a cornerstone of our diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) strategy and talent development programme. Through this renewed agreement, One NZ will continue to champion gender diversity in leadership – within our business and across the industry.

“We have some incredible females working at One NZ, and we want to support them as best we can. Partnering with Global Women complements our efforts as another great way we can help women at One NZ shine,” says Jason Paris, One NZ CEO and Global Women’s Champions for Change.

During the past three years, our partnership with Global Women has supported the development of female leadership through participation in their flagship programmes, Breakthrough Leaders and Activate Leaders. Other important outcomes include women making up 51% of our Senior Leadership Group, up from 46% in 2022, and women now account for more than half of all talent development opportunities.

“We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with One NZ – a company that walks the talk when it comes to inclusive leadership. Their results speak volumes: from growing the number of women in senior leadership to embedding equity into their development pathways. This renewed three-year commitment signals a bold investment not just in gender equity, but in the kind of leadership Aotearoa needs for the future,” says Katie Bhreatnach, CEO, Global Women.

The renewed partnership also strengthens our connection to national coalitions such as Champions for Change, and complements internal initiatives including Mana Wāhine (employee network), SheLeads, and our return-to-work programme.

Jason adds: “Having diverse teams is super important, and striving for more females in leadership positions is a key part of that. The feedback from our staff who have been on the Global Women programmes is glowing, and we’re pleased to extend this partnership.”

This article was originally uploaded by The Post. Read it on their website here.

Antonia Watson is chief executive of ANZ, Roger Gray is chief executive of Port of Auckland, and both are co-chairs of Champions for Change, an initiative of Global Women promoting equity and inclusion in the workplace.

OPINION: As we approach Matariki and look to the year ahead, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment.

We have a choice to either lean in and face our new future together collectively as a nation or be left behind. Our demographics are dramatically changing, and we need every person in New Zealand’s waka with us if we are going to make it.

One of our Champions and speakers at a recent hui at the Treaty Grounds in Waitangi, former Prime Minister Dame Jenny Shipley, talked of Hawaiki Hou – a new Aotearoa. She challenged us to ask what we were doing to build a post-Treaty nation together. Sitting on the sidelines as an observer was not enough, Dame Jenny said. We must be active participants in shaping what that future looks like.

Aotearoa is already super diverse and that’s set to exponentially increase in the coming years. As another of our speakers Dr Paul Spoonley, emeritus professor at Massey University put it so clearly: “We will have no choice but to adapt. Uniformity, inequity, and exclusion simply won’t work in the future.”

 

By 2030 there will be more Māori, Pasifika and Asian New Zealanders than those with European backgrounds. One in three under 25-year-olds will identify themselves as Māori. Māori are younger and growing faster than the rest of the population. Asian communities will comprise 24% of the population.

Our workforces are also rapidly aging and birthrates, particularly amongst New Zealand Europeans are steeply declining. The reality is New Zealand will look completely different to what and who it is today. For many organisations, one of the biggest commercial challenges we will face in the next 10 years is finding the workforce to meet our ever expanding and evolving needs.

These changes will either be a strategic threat or opportunity for businesses. These people are our new customers and future workforce. Companies that can tap into that will be the ones that succeed in this quickly changing and uncertain world. Being inclusive is far from being a ‘nice to do’, or a corporate window dressing, but mission critical to all businesses in New Zealand.

It is commercially advantageous to have the whole population represented and importantly included in your workforces and leadership teams and is essential to creating a high-performing values-driven culture. Building more equitable and inclusive businesses, communities and countries is for everyone’s benefit. A path to growth, increased productivity and prosperity for us all.

 

All the research tells us that greater inclusion will make us a better organisation, a better country. There is a direct, proven correlation between inclusion and enhanced innovation and creativity, improved decision-making, increased employee engagement and better financial results. And what business leader wouldn’t want that?

In a practical sense, inclusion means actively looking for diversity of thought and life’s experiences in our workforces and, particularly, the leaders in our businesses. It means being broad minded in our recruitment processes.

Yes, the person must be qualified for the job, but do they also bring that something else? In 2025 and beyond, you must be able to work with and understand our fast approaching super diverse workforce and customers.

Earlier this year the Treaty Principles Bill had its final reading before being voted down, after more than 90% of the 300,000 submissions received were in opposition. Maybe the silver lining to this very public debate was that it showed how many New Zealanders cared about the Treaty and the relationship between Māori and Pākehā.

On that same day, Champions for Change, a collective of over 80 CEOs and Chairs of New Zealand’s top companies with a combined workforce of 170,000, gathered in Waitangi.

Each of the leaders took time out of their day jobs to travel, be present and prioritise this kaupapa, because it is the right thing to do, but also, selfishly, because it will make each of our businesses better.

What this recent discourse has provided is the chance for many New Zealand businesses to recalibrate and focus on what’s core and where we’ve landed as a group is firmly on inclusion or what Māori describe as Kotahitanga.

The first Champions for Change summit of 2025 kicked off at Waitangi Treaty Grounds last week, bringing together more than 50 CEOs and business leaders in a call to action for Aotearoa’s future.  

Drawing together powerful voices and provocative challenges around leadership and inclusion, the summit was focussed on how we can ensure a prosperous, sustainable and inclusive future for Aotearoa as a post-Treaty nation. 

Following a pōwhiri onto Te Whare Rūnanga Marae, leaders gathered and the intention for the summit was beautifully set by Global Women member Karleen Everitt, who opened the space and laid a wairua-rich foundation that carried us through the days that followed. 

The opening address was then delivered by ANZ Chief Executive and Champions for Change Co-Chair Antonia Watson, who stated that adapting to meet demographic shifts and prioritising inclusion is not a ‘nice to do’, it is mission critical for businesses to thrive.  

In an exploration of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Ben Dalton, CEO of Waitangi Ltd, laid the foundation of the summit by reminding us that every Treaty conversation must acknowledge the importance of this history, and remember the unresolved trauma still carried by Ngāpuhi.  

Dame Jenny Shipley went on to challenge business leaders to be active participants, not passive observers. She spoke of Hawaiki Hou – a new Aotearoa – and urged us all to ask: What are we doing to build a post-Treaty nation together? 

Over the course of the summit, our Champions spoke powerfully and openly about their organisations’ progress, and what more needs to be done. Matt Prichard, Executive Chair at KPMG, shared his personal journey, and affirmed, “Our workplaces are powerful vehicles for change.”  

Roger Gray, CEO of Port of Auckland and Co-Chair for Champions for Change, spoke candidly about being at the bottom of the list in the 2024 Diversity Report – and his commitment to improvement. He named Māori, Pasifika, and South Asian inclusion as priorities, and called out the hard truth: New Zealand has not been a welcoming place. Cultural awareness must deepen. 

Guest speaker Dame Marilyn Waring energised the room with her sharp, lifelong advocacy for equity. She emphasised the critical importance of achieving equality and parity for women, underscoring the necessity of addressing the unique challenges faced by wāhine Māori. 

In a discussion on global disruption, guest speaker Dr Paul Spoonley emphasised that Aotearoa is becoming super diverse – and we have no choice but to adapt. DEI is not optional: uniformity, inequity, and exclusion simply won’t work in the future.  

Champion Andrew Holmes, CEO at PwC, deepened the conversation with an exploration of the impact of disruption and Artificial Intelligence. Looking to the future of Aotearoa, and drawing on highlights from PwC’s CEO survey, Andrew outlined the critical tipping points set to influence the social fabric and economy of Aotearoa. His address reinforced the need for responsive, human-centred leadership at all levels.  

For our final session of the day, Co-Chairs of the Northern Corporate Group, Champion Andrew McLeod, Chief Executive at Northpower, and guest speaker Rosie Mercer, Chief Executive at Marsden Maritime Holdings, spoke together on fostering economic prosperity in Te Tai Tokerau. Dedicated to improving Te Tai Tokerau’s connectivity with the rest of the country, the Northern Corporate Group is a consortium of influential Northland businesses, including McKay, Northpower, Channel Infrastructure NZ, Culham Engineering, and Marsden Maritime Holdings.  

The day was full of energising and insightful discussion, offering direction and stimulating action. Closing remarks were given by Roger Gray, who encouraged collective action and invited the group to consider what issues Champions for Change should prioritise, and which Champions might join the governance group for 2025.  

 Read more coverage at the NZ Herald here, and listen to Roger Gray speak about the summit on Radio Waatea here.

Champions for Change welcomes the release of “Te Ōhanga Māori 2023,” the full report on the Māori economy commissioned by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE). Produced by Business and Economic Research Limited (BERL) and informed by key data from the 2023 census, the report reveals insights into the Māori economy, and its significant contributions to the economy of Aotearoa New Zealand.

The report reveals that the Māori economic contribution has grown from $17 billion in 2018 to $32 billion in 2023, comprising 8.9% of the national GDP. While agriculture, forestry and fishing were the primary contributors in 2018, these have been outpaced by administrative services, property services and professional services.

The Māori asset base has seen dramatic growth, occurring at a faster rate than the overall economy, with an 83% increase between 2018 and 2023. Assets have grown from $69 billion to $126 billion, surpassing the previous estimate of Māori assets reaching $100 billion by 2030.

Over this same 5-year period, the rates of Māori entrepreneurship rose significantly – seeing a 49% increase in Māori self-employment and a 31% increase in Māori employers. In 2023, there were nearly 24,000 Māori-owned businesses – with the largest number of businesses based in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. There has also been a corresponding shift in the skill levels of Māori workers, with Māori workers now holding more high-skilled jobs than low-skilled jobs for the first since 2006.

The report’s insights underscore the value and importance of Māori economic contributions to all of Aotearoa New Zealand. With the Māori population still experiencing economic disparity, initiatives focused on strengthening equity and inclusion for Māori workers remain pivotally important.

You can download and read the full Te Ōhanga Māori 2023 report on the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment website here.

This International Women’s Day, Global Women Chief Executive Katie Bhreatnach spoke to NZ Herald about how Aotearoa New Zealand’s corporate leaders are committed to staying the course for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).  

“Companies that I get to work with in this role at Global Women, I don’t see them stepping back, I actually see them doubling down,” says Katie. 

“Businesses here understand that inclusion drives performance.” 

The themes for International Women’s Day 2025 were “Accelerate Action” and “For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.” Globally, initiatives promoting diversity, equity and inclusion have been facing challenges across multiple sectors, following United States President Donald Trump’s executive orders to eliminate DEI targets.  

This deterioration of DEI policies across international corporations has undermined years of advancement. However, while global trends have an undeniable influence, Katie points out that New Zealand leaders can choose their own path.  

“New Zealand’s always had a unique approach, where we’ve got a history of trailblazers, and we’re always trying to drive that change and challenge ourselves to think about how we can do things differently,” says Katie.  

“The businesses I engage with … they see DEI not as a compliance exercise that takes away from business strategy. Rather, they see it as a strategic advantage.” 

Global Women partners with leading New Zealand corporations, including PwC New Zealand, Toyota New Zealand, Air New Zealand, ANZ Bank, Westpac Bank, One NZ, Spark, Fletcher Building, Fonterra, Infrantil, and others.  

Chief Executives and Chairs of these partners comprise the Champions for Change, an initiative committed to accelerating progress for Aotearoa New Zealand. In light of the global pushback to DEI, the Champions have been undeterred – maintaining their commitment to DEI and advancing progress for everyone, everywhere.  

“Having a great culture and talent, and also future talent strategy, I would suggest, is a key pillar for any successful business,” says Katie. 

“Every organisation I’ve worked in has structured them differently. What really matters is the commitment to the clarity of your strategy and vision, and the commitment to executing it and driving it forward.”

Read the full story over at NZHerald.co.nz.   

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 26^th year of the awards and the 40^th 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

Champion organisation PwC New Zealand are tonight, in collaboration with Global Women, hosting #LeadersLegendsLuminaries: Her Story is Just the Beginning – a  thought leadership event in celebration of International Women’s Day 2025.

With panel speakers including ‘The Caker’ founder Jordan Rondel, international model Jessica Clarke, former Black Ferns captain Dame Farah Palmer, professional race car driver Breanna Morris, and ‘Peace in 10,000 Hands’ founder Stu Robertson, the event will showcase the impactful narratives of women and allies who have shaped industries, communities, and cultures through their determination, innovation, and resilience.

The evening will be opened by PwC Chief Executive Andrew Holmes and facilitated by PwC Chair Karen Shires, with closing words from Global Women Project Director Agnes Naera.

“Forums such as this bring people together,” says Andrew Holmes. “They provide an opportunity for us to learn from each other and share stories and experiences. This has never been more important for business and our broader communities. This year’s event will be very special as we hear from some amazing leaders and role models – I’m looking forward to the kōrero.”

The event is being held in honour of International Women’s Day, an annual day of recognition falling on the 8th of March that seeks to empower women across the globe to speak out on a range of issues – including, but not limited to, gender equality, reproductive rights, workplace inequality, women in leadership, domestic violence and abuse, menopause (“the silent transition”), and more.

“Given the current global climate, it is more crucial than ever for us to come together, raise our voices and demonstrate our commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion – not just for the benefit of women, but for the advancement and success of our businesses, communities and countries,” says Dame Theresa Gattung, Global Women Chair and Champions for Change Vice-Chair.

“Our panellists will bring a rich array of perspectives and lived experiences to this kōrero, as we examine the position of women in Aotearoa and the world and contemplate how we face into these new challenges.”

Each of the panellists are nationally and international renowned New Zealanders who represent the many women and allies who have embodied the message of ‘breaking barriers’ and become leaders in their respective fields.

“It is truly inspiring to witness the incredible journeys of women and allies who have risen to the top of their fields,” says Karen Shires.

“Their stories of determination, creativity, and tenacity remind us of the power of diversity and the importance of championing equality in all aspects of society. As we gather to honour these trailblazers, we are reminded that there is strength in diversity and that every voice deserves to be heard. Together, we can continue to break barriers and create opportunities for all to shine.”

Congratulations to Champion for Change and former Powerco Chief Executive James Kilty, who was welcomed in to his new role as Chief Executive Officer at Transpower this week.

James brings to the new role his extensive experience in the sector, and his demonstrated commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Over his three-year tenure leading Powerco, the organisation set up its Ngā Tikanga – Powerco’s people-first values – and committed to increasing Māori and Pasifika participation in the industry. In addition to working towards a more inclusive and diverse workforce, Powerco has been committed to closing the Gender Pay Gap and increasing its number of women in Senior Leadership.

As co-executive sponsor of our ‘Influencing the Outside World’ workstream, James has worked alongside former Transpower Chief Executive and Honorary Champion Alison Andrew to facilitate industry-wide change. Through this workstream, James and Alison engaged with leaders across the power sector to collaborate on and commit to tackling the systemic challenges that affect women’s participation in the power sector.

The progress achieved through James and Alison’s initiative is a testament to the efficacy of strategic and collaborative leadership, and its capacity to facilitate meaningful and lasting change.

We are excited to continue working alongside James in his new role at Transpower, and are looking forward to connecting with Powerco’s interim Chief Executive Chris Taylor and incoming Chief Executive Jason Franklin in the coming months.

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Alison Andrew as an Honorary Champion for Change.

A visionary executive leader and a committed advocate for creating genuinely diverse and inclusive work cultures, Alison was the Chief Executive of Transpower for a remarkable 10 years. During her tenure, she navigated the company through a period of significant transformation and growth in the energy sector.

Under Alison’s leadership, Transpower implemented numerous initiatives aimed at bridging the gender gap, addressing the gender pay disparity, and ensuring representation across all levels of the organisation. Her decade-long influence as Chief Executive of Transpower has not only driven significant advancements within the company but has also fostered a transformative culture throughout the energy sector in New Zealand. Alison has become a role model in the New Zealand power sector, inspiring others to prioritise and integrate equity and inclusion into their organisational frameworks.

While leading Transpower, Alison was an active Champion for Change and spent four years as a member of the Champions for Change Governance Group. During this time, Alison played a role in fostering a culture of accountability among the Champions, with a focus on ensuring transparency and responsibility within the group.

Alongside James Kilty, Alison was an Executive Sponsor for our ‘Influencing the Outside World’ workstream. Together they successfully engaged a wider group of sector CEOs, including those from non-Champion organisations, in the workstream. The work they undertook as leaders of the workstream has not only advanced the goals of the Champions for Change, but has also set a benchmark for collaboration across different sectors.

The leadership exhibited by both Alison and James in addressing these critical issues exemplifies the essence of effective leadership, influence, and impact. The progress they have achieved serves as an inspiring testament to the power of strategic partnership and the importance of inclusive engagement in driving meaningful change within the industry.

Through her exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to inclusivity and diversity, Alison continues to role model how, with commitment and courage, we can build a more equitable and inclusive society. Her work with Champions for Change has created a lasting legacy, and her continued involvement will further enhance this important work.

We are delighted to celebrate our Champions and Champion organisations that were honoured in this year’s Deloitte Top 200 Awards last week.  

We were particularly proud to see all three finalists of the Barfoot & Thompson Diversity and Inclusion Leadership award were Champion organisations. Each organisation’s dedication to building authentically inclusive, people-centric work cultures has shone through in their innovative solutions to addressing diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Port of Auckland won the award, honouring its transformative strategy to build a high performance and high engagement culture that is underpinned by genuine diversity and inclusion. Both ANZ and Powerco were finalists for the award, which recognises organisational initiatives, with special recognition shone on ANZ’s integrated Te Ao Māori strategy and Powerco’s commitment to closing its gender gaps and growing Māori representation. 

The winner and finalists for the ServiceNow Chief Executive of the Year were likewise all Champions this year. Congratulations to winner Miles Hurrell (CEO at Fonterra) and finalists Neal Barclay (CEO at Meridian) and Roger Gray (CEO at Port of Auckland, and our very own Co-Chair). Each of these Champions are highly regarded by their peers and in the community not only for their dedication to performance, but for their commitment to elevating the well-being of their people. Miles Hurrell, the winner of this year’s award, has led Fonterra through a transformational journey since taking on the Chief Executive role in 2018. Under his leadership, the organisation has been working towards increasing value for its cooperative members, streamlining global operations and achieving sustainability goals, including a target of net zero emissions. Fonterra was also honoured as Amazon Web Services’ Company of the Year, recognising the dairy leader’s commitment to its strategic direction and operational success. Fellow Champion organisation Port of Auckland was likewise a finalist for the award, which honours best organisational performance. 

The work that Spark New Zealand has been undertaking was honoured with the Snowflake Sustainability Leadership award, and fellow Champion organisation Infratil was awarded the 2degrees Best Growth Strategy. Each of these awards recognised our Champions’ dedication to sustainable futures. Under the leadership of Champion Jolie Hodson, a member of the Climate Leaders Coalition, Spark New Zealand has been authentically realising its commitment to economic transformation and digital equity through sustainable operations and delivery. Having signed onto a long-term renewable energy deal with Genesis, the organisation is authentically enacting its commitment to sustainability. As winner of the Best Growth Strategy award, Infratil was recognised for its leadership in sustainable growth. On a mission to invest in ideas that matter, the organisation has invested in One New Zealand to deliver critical infrastructure for a digital future. Led by Champion Jason Boyes, Infratil has further committed to long-term sustainable growth through its investment in renewable energy.  

Employees and governance members of Champion organisations were further recognised at the awards. Jan Dawson (Chairperson of Port of Auckland) was honoured with the Forsyth Barr Chairperson of the Year award, Mike Roan (Chief Financial Officer at Meridian) won the Tax Traders Chief Financial Officer of the Year, and Richard Allen (President of Global Markets and Ingredients at Fonterra) was awarded the University of Auckland Business School Young Executive of the Year Award. Lyndal York (Chief Financial Officer at Fisher & Paykel Healthcare) and Gemma Gloyne (General Manager of Vivid Living at Fletcher Building) were finalists for the Chief Financial Officer of the Year and Young Executive of the Year awards respectively. 

On behalf of the Champions for Change, we would like to congratulate to all winners and finalists for this prestigious recognition of their innovative success and commitment to building a sustainable future for Aotearoa New Zealand.