Our journey as Te Uru Tāngata Centre for Workplace Inclusion began in the most fitting way, with a dawn blessing led by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei at our office in Symonds Street.

As the light rose over Tāmaki Makaurau, we paused to honour the past, acknowledge the transition, and step into the future with clarity and intention.

“We are deeply grateful to Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei for marking this moment with us - a powerful reminder that all meaningful work begins with connection, reflection, and a sense of shared purpose,” says Chief Executive Maretha Smit.

“As we leave behind Diversity Works New Zealand, there might be a bit of nostalgia for the name that got us to this point. And we want to reaffirm that, as we step forward, we are carrying with us its purpose, which is to shape fairer and more connected workplaces for all.”

Fair and connected workplaces are shaped through strong relationships, through shared purpose, through walking forward together, Maretha says.

“It is in this spirit that Te Uru Tāngata begins - ready to work alongside our members and partners to grow this kaupapa for Aotearoa.”

As workplaces mature in their approach to workplace inclusion, the role of the national body has also evolved.

“Over time, we realised that the Trust Deed governing our mahi no longer aligned with modern thinking about diversity and inclusion and, in fact, was increasingly limiting in terms of how we could adapt and respond to the changing needs of our community.

“After a thorough review, the Board decided to establish a new trust to give us the platform we need to better support our members and the wider inclusion eco-system.

“This shift to Te Uru Tāngata is culmination of all the work the organisation has done over the past years to build a collaborative community, growing stronger together and thriving as a united rōpū.”