A word from our event partner
Ben Thompson CEO and Co-founder Employment Hero
Award winners
What to expect on the night
2023 Sponsors
NZ HR Director of the Year
HR leaders from around the country gathered recently for the 2024 HRD Awards New Zealand. The awards were held at the Pullman Auckland, recognising the country’s most outstanding HR teams, leaders and employers for their achievements, leadership and innovation in the HR profession over the past 12 months. Winners were honoured across individual categories including HR Director, HR Manager and Rising Star of the Year and in team categories such as Employer of Choice and HR Team of the Year. The judging panel included prominent leaders and experts in New Zealand’s HR industry.
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Commemorative Guide
Nominations Nominations opened via the online portal. The awards were free to enter. Individuals and companies could nominate themselves or their peers in unlimited categories. Submissions were required to focus on HR programs and achievements over the previous 12 months.
Confirmation of Excellence Awardees Once the research was completed, Excellence Awardees were selected in each category and notified via email. Excellence Awardees were announced on the HRD NZ website on 12 February.
Judging The Insurance Business Awards team will send completed excellence awardee submissions to an independent panel of judges, comprising insurance industry leaders and senior representatives. Judges will be well known and well respected within the industry and their judgment will be impartial, balanced, incisive and fair. Any judge with a conflict of interest in a particular category will recuse themselves from judging that category. Judges will review the excellence awardee submissions and allocate a score for each excellence awardee. The excellence awardee with the highest score in each category once the judging process has been completed will be named the winner.
Judging An independent panel of judges appointed by HRD, comprised of HR leaders from around New Zealand, reviewed the submissions and allocated each Excellence Awardee a confidential and impartial score.
Find out more
NZ HR Manager of the Year
NZ HR Rising Star of the Year
Employer of Choice <200 Staff
Employer of Choice >200 Staff
HR Team of the Year
Employer of Choice (1-99 Employees)
Employer of Choice (100-999 Employees)
Wagestream Employer of Choice (>1000 Employees)
Employer of Choice (Public Sector & NFP)
Best Graduate Development Program
Best Health and Wellbeing Program
New Zealand HR award winners shine
HR leaders honoured for achievements at HRD Awards New Zealand
Best Leadership Development Program
LinkedIn Learning Best Learning and Development Program
Best Recruitment Campaign
Globalization Partners Best Remote Work Strategy
Best Reward & Recognition Program
Employment Hero Best Use of Technology
Best Workplace Diversity & Inclusion Program
Best Workplace Flexibility Program
Australian Business Lawyers & Advisors (ABLA) is one of Australia’s leading employment and workplace legal practices. We focus on representing and advocating for business. Our success with clients is founded on the principles of mutual respect, craft, collaboration and communication. Our motto ‘experts make things simple’ sets us apart. Contact: 1300 565 846 Email: info@ablawyers.com.au Website: www.ablawyers.com.au
Zoe Daugulis, talent and culture manager at Pullman Auckland, was named one of the HR Rising Stars of the Year at the awards ceremony. She told HRD she was deeply honoured to receive the award. “It's truly a humbling experience to be recognised as one of the NZ HR Rising Stars of the Year,” she said. “When I heard my name being announced, I was overwhelmed with a mix of emotions – joy, disbelief and gratitude. I never imagined I would make it this far, let alone be a finalist, so the whole experience was incredibly surreal and unforgettable.” Entering the HR field Daugulis described her journey into HR as unexpected. She had initially worked in an event sales position, but during the COVID-19 pandemic she made her way into HR. Daugulis credited her boss and supportive company culture for encouraging her to explore this new career path. “Although my time in HR has been relatively short, it has been profoundly fulfilling,” she said. “I’ve discovered a passion for empowering and supporting individuals in the workplace. Despite not having HR on my radar initially, I've come to realise that it's where I'm meant to be, and I'm wholeheartedly embracing the journey ahead.” Fellow recipient of the HR Rising Star of the Year award Christine van Hoffen, people lead at Tracksuit, described her own winding journey into HR after gaining qualifications in biomedical science and digital design, and most recently completing an MBA. “What I found was that the blend of these three disciplines was really the perfect combination for working with People & Culture, where you need to blend creativity and presentation skills with business acumen and evidence-based practice,” she said. “I didn't set out to work in HR, rather I evolved into it. I love the idea of P&C enabling the rest of the team to be high performing, highly engaged and happy.” van Hoffen described winning the Rising Star award as “amazing” and a nice moment to celebrate the work she has done. “It takes a huge amount of work and proactivity to keep things going right, albeit quietly in the background,” she said. Strength of the team Mark Lewis, head of people and culture at Connetics, was named NZ HR Director of the Year. He said the award was not just a personal milestone but a celebration of the hard work of his entire team. “They possess the experience and knowledge to excel independently, and this accolade is a reflection of their commitment to excellence,” he said. “Personally, as someone who sees themselves as an accidental HR professional, it was fantastic to be recognised by the profession and to stand alongside other outstanding individuals who are doing amazing things in the field.” For Lewis, the most rewarding part of working in HR is witnessing his team’s desire and efforts to make a positive impact. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to lead such a talented group of individuals who are committed to service and innovation,” he said. “Their dedication is instrumental in driving our Connetics 2030 strategy forward, focusing on empowering our people and fostering a culture that acknowledges where we have come from, while challenging us to work differently to deliver energy solutions for a cleaner and brighter future.” Leading in HR Carol Mendes, assistant director of human resources at Cordis Auckland, was named NZ HR Manager of the Year. She said she was honoured to have won the award, adding that it was an exciting way for her to wrap up 2023. “It was a year filled with growth opportunities, great challenges that have been surpassed and, most of all, remarkable results,” she said. “Being a Rising Star winner in 2022 and now HR Manager of the Year is truly incredible.” Mendes said working in human resources was “immensely fulfilling”. “I take great pride in witnessing colleagues grow and advance in their careers with our support and incentive,” she said. “Making a positive impact on their lives and creating lasting memories is the most rewarding aspect of my role.”
Research The HRD Awards New Zealand team conducted due diligence, drawing on research and editorial insights to verify the material submitted in the nominations.
Excellence Awardees
Awards
Employment Hero is the world’s leading HR, payroll and benefits platform. The award-winning employment software helps launch businesses on the path to success by powering more productivity every day. Employment Hero services over 80,000 businesses, collectively managing over 750,000 employees. Its core platform reduces admin time by up to 48 per cent. Contact: 1300 084 847 Address: Level 2, 441 Kent Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Award Sponsor
Hire anyone, anywhere, quickly and easily. Use our AI-driven, automated, fully compliant global Employer of Record platform powered by our in-house worldwide HR experts. Leave the complexities of global employment to the named industry leader that consistently attains 97% customer satisfaction ratings. With Globalization Partners, you can succeed faster. Janet Soon Sales Executive Contact: +65 62324204 Email: jsoon@globalization-partners.com Website: globalization-partners.com
At Hays, we invest in lifelong partnerships that empower people and businesses to succeed. With over 50 years’ experience and a workforce of more than 10,000 people across 32 countries, we collectively strive to put you, our customer, at the heart of everything we do. Hays Specialist Recruitment job employment agency
Reejig is a workforce intelligence platform that gives large scale organisations the data and intelligence to find, move and upskill their people at scale. Powered by the world’s first independently audited ethical talent AI engine, Reejig is trusted by many of the world’s leading organisations including Woolworths, KPMG, Allianz, AWS, and the NSW Government Department of Customer Service, to achieve zero wasted potential across their workforces, by ensuring the right people are in the right roles at the right time. Email: info@reejig.com Website: reejig-partners.com
Wagestream works with leading employers to improve time-to-hire, retention and productivity by helping employees take control of their financial lives. Charity-backed, our app is helping over one million employees build financial wellbeing with tools like pre-pay savings, live chat money coaching and flexible access to pay. Josh Vernon CEO Email: australia@wagestream.com Website: wagestream.com/au
“Australian Business Lawyers & Advisors (ABLA) will continue to support excellence in this industry and the category for HR Director and HR Champion (CEO) of the year, a role proven to be integral to any business’s success. We wish all Excellence Awardees the best for the night.”
Josh Vernon, CO-FOUNDER and ceo, wagestream australia
NIGEL WARD CEO
Employment Hero is the world’s leading HR, payroll and benefits platform. The award-winning employment software helps launch businesses on the path to success by powering more productivity every day. Employment Hero services over 80,000 businesses, collectively managing over 750,000 employees. Its core platform reduces admin time by up to 48 per cent. Contact: 1300 084 847 Address: Level 2, 441 Kent Street Sydney NSW 2000
LinkedIn connects the world’s professionals to make them more productive and successful and transforms the way companies hire, learn, market, and sell. Our vision is to create economic opportunity for every member of the global workforce through the ongoing development of the world’s first Economic Graph. LinkedIn has over 830 million members and has offices around the globe. Website: learning.linkedin.com
Reejig Australian HR Team of the Year (>1000 Employees)
HAYS Australian HR Team of the Year (<1000 Employees)
Australian Business Lawyers & Advisors Australian HR Champion of the Year (CEO)
Australian HR Rising Star of the Year
Australian HR Manager of the Year
Australian Business Lawyers & Advisors Australian HR Director of the Year
METHODOLOGY
JUDGING PANEL
AWARD WINNERS
SPONSORS
AGENDA
Roz Urbahn
Gil Sewell
Michelle Russell
Ceri Rowland
Hennie Peters
Richard Parker
Nish Pai
Angela Lim
Emma Kirkman
Angus Jenkins
Cathy Hendry
Craig Goldblatt
Sharne Fairbrother
Amy Deperrois
Heather Elliott
Rebecca Clarke
Alexis Cameron
Annie Brown
Karly Boast
Penelope Barton
Julie Bassett
Thank you to our esteemed judges for lending their time and expertise to help recognise and celebrate excellence in the HR profession.
2024 Judging panel
Julie Bassett Vice President Human Resources – APAC, Constellation Brands
Penelope Barton VP, People and Remote, CGA
Karly Boast Vice President of People, LawVu
Annie Brown Chief People Officer, Trade Me
Alexis Cameron Kaiwhakahaere, Kaimahi Māori Experience | People and Culture, Auckland DHB
Rebecca Clarke NZ Manager, RCSA Australia and New Zealand
Heather Elliott General Manager of Human Resources, UDC Finance
Amy Deperrois Head of Organisational Development, 2degrees
Sharne Fairbrother Head of People, Reveal
Craig Goldblatt Vice President Partners & Alliances, Globalization Partners
Cathy Hendry Managing Director, Strategic Pay
Angus Jenkins Founder, Angus Jenkins Leadership Practice
Emma Kirkman Co-founder, Anywhere Culture
Angela Lim CEO & Co-founder, Clearhead
Nish Pai Head of Learning Experience, Mitre 10 (NZ) Limited
Richard Parker Chief HR Officer, The Warehouse Group
Hennie Peters HR/OHS Manager, Open Country Dairy
Ceri Rowland Chief People Officer, Douglas Pharmaceuticals
Michelle Russell GM Talent & Culture, NZ & Pacific, ANZ
Gil Sewell Kaihautū Tikanga | Chief People & Culture Officer, Ember Korowai Takitini
Roz Urbahn Chief People Officer, Livestock Improvement Corporation
Winners announced Once the judging was completed, the Excellence Awardee with the highest overall score in each category was named the winner of that category. Winners were announced on the HRD NZ website and at the New Zealand HR Summit.
This award recognises an HR leader who has demonstrated excellence at the executive level over the past 12 months. Eligible finalists were senior-level leaders who report to the CEO and manage an HR team. Finalists were judged on their leadership, communication, strategy, drive and results.
BACK
Australian Business Lawyers & Advisors (ABLA) is one of Australia’s leading employment and workplace legal practices. We focus on representing and advocating for business. Our success with clients is founded on the principles of mutual respect, craft, collaboration and communication. Our motto ‘experts make things simple’ sets us apart. Website: www.ablawyers.com.au Phone: 1300 565 846 Email: info@ablawyers.com.au
“Australian Business Lawyers & Advisors (ABLA) will continue to support excellence in this industry and the category for HR Director, a role proven to be integral to any business’s success. We wish all finalists the best for the night.”
NIGEL WARD, CEO, AUSTRALIAN BUSINESS LAWYERS & ADVISORS
Brynlea Hunter-Morpeth, AIA New Zealand Genevieve Buys, Laybuy Jennifer Warnock, James Hardie New Zealand Joanne Craughwell, Accor Hotels New Zealand Julie Bassett, Constellation Brands Kate Batkin, Medenterprises Services
Recognises the HR leader who has demonstrated excellence at the executive level over the past 12 months. Eligible Excellence Awardees are senior-level leaders who report to the CEO and manage an HR team. Judged on leadership, communication, strategy, drive and results.
Connetics
Mark Lewis
WINNER
QBE Australia is part of the QBE Insurance Group, an international insurer and reinsurer headquartered in Sydney with offices across all states and territories. Our purpose is all about enabling a more resilient future. We provide a broad range of insurance products to personal, business, corporate and institutional customers. From car and home insurance, to tailored business packages and specialist cover for industries such as aviation and farming. We don’t simply offer insurance. We’re all about the before and after – helping our customers to protect and prevent against the ‘what ifs’ and being there to support if anything goes wrong. Website: https://www.qbe.com/au/brokers
Annerita Edy, McDonald's Restaurants (NZ) Cheryl Kenwright, Strategic Pay Helena Mulryan-Marra, Gallagher (formerly Crombie Lockwood) Jason Viljoen, Pullman, Novotel & Ibis Budget Auckland Airport O'Shaye Lunn, Accor Hotels New Zealand
Recognises the individual who has demonstrated excellence at the management level over the past 12 months. Eligible Excellence Awardees are mid-level leaders. Judged on leadership, communication, strategy, drive and results.
Cordis, Auckland
Carol Mendes
Francesca Dalli-Niven, Hōhepa Hawkes Bay Rita Hababa, Fliway Sean Mitchell, McDonald's Restaurants (NZ)
Recognises the individual who has demonstrated excellence in their first five years of working in an HR role. Judged on leadership, communication, strategy, drive and results.
Tracksuit
Christine van Hoffen
Pullman Auckland
Zoe Daugulis
&
“Australian Business Lawyers & Advisors (ABLA) will continue to support excellence in this industry and the critical category HR Champion (CEO) of the Year. We wish all finalists the best of luck for the night.”
NIGEL WARD, CEO AUSTRALIAN BUSINESS LAWYERS & ADVISORS
Gallagher Bassett New Zealand HD Geo Maynard Marks Strategic Pay Utilities Disputes
Recognises the best organisation to work for in New Zealand with less than 200 employees. Judged on leadership, engagement, communication and employee benefits.
“In this current environment, never have HR teams been so fundamentally critical to overall business success. We’re proud to be supporters of HR teams as they work to attract and retain the best professionals for their businesses, today and for the future.”
Eliza Kirkby, Hays Regional HR Director.
AIA New Zealand Constellation Brands Deloitte Lotto NZ My Food Bag Publicis Groupe New Zealand
AIA New Zealand Constellation Brands Deloitte Hind Management Group Lotto NZ My Food Bag Publicis Groupe New Zealand
Recognises the best organisation to work for in New Zealand with 200 or more employees. Judged on leadership, engagement, communication and employee benefits.
Hind Management Group
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Reejig is a workforce intelligence platform that gives large scale organisations the data and intelligence to find, move and upskill their people at scale. Powered by the world’s first independently audited ethical talent AI engine, Reejig is trusted by many of the world’s leading organisations including Woolworths, KPMG, Allianz, AWS, and the NSW Government Department of Customer Service, to achieve zero wasted potential across their workforces, by ensuring the right people are in the right roles at the right time. Website: reejig-partners.com Email: info@reejig.com
“It is an absolute honour for Reejig to support and celebrate the tremendous efforts made by innovative teams in their pursuit of excellence. Good luck to all the finalists and can’t wait to celebrate with you all.”
Siobhan Savage, CEO & Co-Founder, Rejig
AIA NZ Beca BNZ McDonald's Restaurants (NZ) One NZ
Recognises the HR team in an organisation in New Zealand that has demonstrated excellence over the past 12 months. Judged on overall team performance, including leadership, communication, strategy, drive and results.
Anderson Lloyd
Wagestream works with leading employers to improve time-to-hire, retention and productivity by helping employees take control of their financial lives. Charity-backed, our app is helping over one million employees build financial wellbeing with tools like pre-pay savings, live chat money coaching and flexible access to pay. Josh Vernon CEO Website: wagestream.com/au Email: australia@wagestream.com
Accor
Deloitte Australia
Gold Coast Hospital & Health Service
Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies ANZ
“Though the last few years have been challenging, I’ve seen employers create great working environments by focusing on important new areas like financial wellbeing. That’s why Wagestream are so excited to present the award for employer of choice, a title any business would be proud to win.”
KBR
Publicis Groupe
Telstra
ABLA
Edwards Lifesciences
Hays Learning & Development Team
Lion and Bendelta
Marsden State High School
Stuartholme School
Telstra Future Ready Program
TSA Group
“Our vision is to create economic opportunity for every member of the global workforce, which is why LinkedIn Learning has proudly supported The Best Learning & Development Award. Congratulations to the Excellence Awardees for achieving your personal or professionals learning goals. ”
“Our vision is to create economic opportunity for every member of the global workforce, which is why LinkedIn Learning has proudly supported The Best Learning & Development Award. Congratulations to the Excellence Awardees for achieving your personal or professionals learning goals.”
JOSH VERNON, CO-FOUNDER AND CEO, WAGESTREAM AUSTRALIA
