Diversity Awards Update
GWN is now a nationally recognised award winner! In just a few months since formally launching, GWN received an award in the 19th annual Diversity Awards, hosted in Auckland on 24 August 2016. The awards are led by Diversity Works NZ (formerly the EEO Trust) to grow recognition of value of diversity among businesses in both the private and public sectors. The awards are a long-established event with demand growing every year. This year the judges commented on the particularly strong competition and standard of entries with over 40 initiatives competing across 9 award categories. A sell-out audience of more than 600 gathered to celebrate the awards evening at SKYCITY. GWN was delighted to have representatives from its various groups in Wellington and Auckland who were able to attend through the support of their agencies. It was a great surprise and honour to receive a “Highly Commended” award in the new emerging diversity category for initiatives less than 2 years old. You can read more about GWN’s team efforts that led to the award, and view the video clip.
Before we leave the Diversity Awards… huge congratulations to the New Zealand Police which was named Supreme Winner on the night! This is recognition of the excellent work that Police has done in supporting women within its workforce through professional development and leadership initiatives, as well as its broader efforts in gender diversity. Perfect timing too, co-inciding with this year’s celebration of 75 years of women in policing. We will be asking Police to share with us more on their successful strategies and insights in the coming months. Read more about Police’s great work and view its video clip. You will be inspired!
Finally, rounding out a great week for government women, it was excellent to see several public sector women being named as finalists in the Women of Influence awards 2016. Congratulations to all women who have been recognised in this forum for their professional and personal achievements. GWN would particularly like to congratulate Naomi Ferguson who has been instrumental to GWN’s establishment and continues to be a fantastic champion for us.