Entries open for 2018 Diversity Awards NZ™
It’s time to celebrate organisations within the construction industry that are championing diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
Entries are now open for the 2018 Diversity Awards NZ™, with the event celebrating its 21st anniversary this year.
Diversity Works New Zealand Chief Executive Bev Cassidy-Mackenzie says more and more businesses in New Zealand are focused on creating an inclusive culture so that they can build better teams, develop a good employer brand, gain a competitive advantage and, ultimately, increase their bottom line.
“These awards showcase the hard work these organisations are doing, and the business benefits they are gaining as a result.
“We have had some fantastic entries from the construction sector in previous years and we would like to see that trend continue.”
Last year, Fletcher Building’s Whakatapu Māori Leadership Programme received a highly commended accolade in the Emerging Diversity and Inclusion category.
The company also showcased its graduate programme and the work of the FB Pride Group.
Fulton Hogan also entered the awards, sharing the story of its ‘The Road to Success’ project which has developed a leadership and network programme for high-potential women in the organisation.
There were also entries from AECOM and Prefab New Zealand.
Downer New Zealand is another former award winner, taking out the Emerging Diversity and Inclusion category in 2016 with its Whakahiki i Nga Rangatira Māori programme.
“We want to stress these awards are not just for large companies – many of our past winners have been from small to medium-sized organisations, and we know there is some great work being done by businesses operating in this space,” says Cassidy-Mackenzie.
There are nine categories in the awards, which are decided by an independent judging panel.
Last year, tourism operator Real Journeys were the Supreme winners at the event, acknowledged for the company’s training initiative that utilises the experience of its aging workers to provide exceptional learning opportunities for young people in the Otago and Southland regions.
“If your organisation is doing innovative work in the diversity and inclusion arena, we want you to share your story as part of our awards,” Cassidy-Mackenzie says.
Each diversity initiative entered will be turned into a case study, so organisations can share their strategy, and other employers can learn from their journey.
Entries close on Friday, May 11. Find out how to enter or read about previous winners and entrants at diversityworksnz.org.nz/diversity-awards/
Entries close on Friday, May 11. Find out how to enter or read about previous winners and entrants at diversityworksnz.org.nz/diversity-awards/
