Finalists in the 2026 Diversity Awards NZ™ have been announced, with a record-breaking 135 entries received this year across eight categories.
The judges have recognised the mahi of 50 entrants as finalists for their efforts to grow inclusive workplaces across Aotearoa New Zealand.
“The standard of entries was exceptionally high. It’s inspiring to see the depth of commitment organisations and individuals are showing to creating workplaces where people feel valued and able to thrive,” said Te Uru Tāngata Centre for Workplace Inclusion Chief Executive, Maretha Smit.
“These awards celebrate real progress — and we’re proud to spotlight the many ways people are building fairer work environments, one step at a time.”
This year’s awards are the first under the Te Uru Tāngata Centre for Workplace Inclusion banner, with the programme refreshed to reflect how workplace inclusion continues to deepen and diversify across the nation.
“The enhanced programme introduces new categories for individuals, teams and organisations, allowing us to recognise both organisation-wide change and focused initiatives that are making a meaningful difference for people at work,” said Ms Smit.
The awards will be presented in Auckland on Tuesday, 6 May, as part of the Whiria Ngā Kaha Workplace Inclusion Aotearoa conference.
The finalists are:
INDIVIDUAL AWARDS
Inclusive Leader of the Year Award
Auriole Ruka, Northland Regional Council
Ed Collett, Air New Zealand
Emma Moran, DLA Piper
Jess Segal, Kiwibank
Lisa Boltman, Airways Corporation of New Zealand
Shannon Turner, Whakarongorau Aotearoa
Tara Solomon, Kaitiaki Kindergartens
Superintendent Tracey Thompson, New Zealand Police
Workplace Inclusion Professional of the Year Award
Anna Paris, New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi
Connor Mcleod, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University
Coralee Fitzgibbon, GHD
Kareena Harris, Greater Wellington Regional Council
Max Wallace, Tap In
Talia McDougall, Tonkin and Taylor
Emerging Inclusion Champion of the Year Award
Cecilia Tuala, Downer
Einnee Facey, Northland Regional Council
Izzy Vandersloot, OfficeMax NZ Ltd
Josh Clere, Mars New Zealand
Mohit Tyagi, WM New Zealand
Sean Park, Fletcher Living
ORGANISATION AWARDS
Inclusive Workplace Award
Chorus
dentsu Aotearoa
Fletcher Living
Hind Management
Northland Regional Council
SkyCity Entertainment Group
Te Toi Mahana
Breaking Barriers Award
ANZ Bank New Zealand Limited
Bay of Plenty Regional Council Toi Moana
DUAL
Kinetic
Kiwibank
Lyttelton Port Company
TEAM AWARDS
Respectful Culture Award
Kaitiaki Kindergartens
Rio Tinto
Sudima Lake Rotorua Housekeeping Team
Cultural Competence Award
Kaitiaki Kindergartens – Parakai Kindergarten
New Zealand Football
Social Impact and Reputation Team at Downer
Te Ara Tupua Alliance
Whakarongorau Customer Experience / Transformation Roopu
Employee Networks Award
Accessibility Network, AIA NZ
Air New Zealand – Employee Networks
Commerce Commission Neurodiversity Network
Fisher & Paykel Healthcare
Hamilton City Council – Neurodiversity Network
INZ Women’s Infrastructure Network
Mums in Blue
SkyCity Pride
StandOut @Downer
