Western Bay of Plenty Primary Health Organisation has taken out the Supreme Award at the 2024 Diversity Awards NZ™ announced in Auckland last night.
The organisation, a joint venture between Ngāi Te Rangi iwi, Ngāti Ranginui iwi, and
Western Bay of Plenty Primary Care Providers Incorporated, is a co-governance model with mana whenua driving equitable health outcomes for Māori.
Diversity Works New Zealand Chief Executive, Maretha Smit says this genuine partnership
and the cultural understanding it fosters are transforming the organisation’s mahi to support and deliver community-based primary health care and wellness services in the region.
It is the first, and still only, Primary Health Organisation to be governed by a partnership
between mana whenua and providers, and its entire programme of work is guided by the
principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
General Manager Māori, Population Health and Equity, Kiri Peita says the partnership is
more than just a contractual arrangement. Its power and value are driven by transparency,
open communication, and a sincere desire to achieve common goals, she said.
“We firmly believe whānau, hapū, and iwi must lead, determine, and guide pathways to live
long and healthy lives today and for generations to come,” said Ms Peita.
Western Bay of Plenty Primary Health Organisation was also the Medium-large Organisation
Winner in the Ngā Āhuatanga o te Tiriti category at the awards.
Cross-agency employee-led network governance rōpū, Tui Raumata (pictured, above), won the Medium-Large Organisation Winner in the Awards’ Respectful Culture category.
“Tui Raumata’s groundbreaking work in connecting employee-led networks across the Public Service is shaping a culture of equity and inclusion within Government,” said Ms Smit.
“By breaking down siloed programmes, this rōpu promotes an intersectional approach which transforms systems, processes, and policies for Government departments and agencies. Sharing best practices and resources creates a more level playing field for under-represented communities, driving respectful engagement and a more inclusive future for all.”
Ara Poutama Aotearoa Department of Corrections received a Medium-Large Organisation Highly Commended Recognition in the Inclusive Workplace category.
“Ara Poutama Aotearoa Department of Corrections is transforming its workplace by normalising diverse ways of working and enhancing people’s capability within neurodiversity,” Ms Smit said.
“This progressive approach empowers kaimahi to feel safe and confident in sharing their authentic selves, while also developing more capable and responsive leaders. The positive impact of this mahi is felt across the entire 10,000-strong workforce and the offenders they support, creating a more inclusive and effective corrections environment.”
Te Tumu Whakaata Taonga New Zealand Film Commission (pictured, above) took home the Small-Medium Organisation Winner in the Ngā Āhuatanga o te Tiriti category.
“Te Tumu Whakaata Taonga The New Zealand Film Commission is championing Māori stories and filmmakers, in partnership with the Māori screen industry, through its Te Rautaki Māori Strategy.”
“By developing protocols around engagement with Māori creatives, increasing connection with the Māori film industry and building internal cultural awareness and capability, the Commission is playing a pivotal role in nurturing and protecting Aotearoa New Zealand’s indigenous culture,” said Ms Smit.
Ratonga Ahi me ngā Ohotata i Aotearoa Fire and Emergency New Zealand (pictured, above) received a Medium-Large Organisation Highly Commended Recognition in the Ngā Āhuatanga o te Tiriti category.
Ms Smit says Ratonga Ahi me ngā Ohotata i Aotearoa Fire and Emergency New Zealand is dedicated to transforming outcomes for Māori communities.
“Central to this initiative is an innovative change management process, designed to take every team member on this journey. By deeply embedding the ‘why’ behind this crucial mahi, Fire and Emergency New Zealand has sparked widespread support and enthusiasm, ensuring that teams are not just participants, but true advocates of this work,” she said.
The full list of 2024 winners are:
Leadership Award
Medium-Large Organisation Highly Commended – Waipapa Taumata Rau University of
Auckland
Diverse Talent Award
Medium-Large Organisation Winner – KPMG
Inclusive Workplace Award
Medium-Large Organisation Winner – Foodstuffs North Island
Medium-Large Organisation Highly Commended – Ara Poutama Aotearoa Department of
Corrections
Respectful Culture Award
Medium-Large Organisation Winner – Tui Raumata
Medium-Large Organisation Highly Commended – Aurecon
Ngā Āhuatanga o te Tiriti Tohu
Small-Medium Organisation Winner – Te Tumu Whakaata Taonga New Zealand Film
Commission
Medium-Large Organisation Winner – Western Bay of Plenty Primary Health Organisation
Medium-Large Organisation Highly Commended – Ratonga Ahi me ngā Ohotata i Aotearoa
Fire and Emergency New Zealand
Impact Award
Winner – Araraurangi Air New Zealand
Diversity Champion
Tania Domett, Cogo
Supreme Award
Western Bay of Plenty Primary Health Organisation.
The Diversity Awards NZ™ programme offers organisations an opportunity to showcase a
variety of innovative people initiatives and publicly commit to being held accountable for
tangible progress in building work environments where everybody is safe to bring the best
version of themselves.
