Finalists in the 2026 Diversity Awards NZ™ have been announced today, with the judges recognising 50 entrants for the mahi they are doing to grow inclusive workplaces across Aotearoa New Zealand.

Te Uru Tāngata Centre for Workplace Inclusion Chief Executive Maretha Smit says a record-breaking 135 entries were received this year, giving judges a difficult task selecting finalists across the eight categories.

“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.

“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, and the programme has been refreshed to reflect how workplace inclusion continues to deepen and diversify across Aotearoa New Zealand.

“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.”

The awards will be presented in Auckland on Tuesday, 5 May, as part of the Whiria Ngā Kaha Workplace Inclusion Aotearoa conference.

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Recipients of the Feature Awards — highlighting specific areas of inclusion — will be announced on the night alongside the People’s Choice and Supreme Awards.

Here is the full list of 2026 finalists:

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