HRD Awards New Zealand 2021 Commemorative Guide by Key Media

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2021 A WORD FROM OUR EVENT PARTNER ELMO SOFTWARE is proud to be the event sponsor of the 2021 HRD Awards New Zealand. The awards are an opportunity for our profession to celebrate our achievements and learn from our shared experiences after a year that tested us all. I would like to thank each of the awardees and winners for their contributions to our profession and congratulate them on their achievements. This year, we had such high-calibre nominees that there have been 26 Excellence Awardees in addition to the winners of around 13 awards categories, which is testament to just how much we have all achieved in 12 months. Businesses succeed when Human Resources is a strategic partner that brings courage, transparency and innovation to the decision-making process. In 2020, HR professionals demonstrated that their guidance and leadership is more important than ever. We have all had to make drastic changes to how we work and operate to keep our people safe and our organisations operational. COVID-19 accelerated a shift in what ‘work’ means as employees and employers had to work together to be flexible, fast learners that could change tack at a moment’s notice. Our profession was instrumental in managing the drastic changes that the workforce felt. As a result of our efforts we have many achievements and lessons to recognise this year. This is our chance to applaud our peers for their innovation and their ability to perform not only as HR leaders but business leaders too. Congratulations to all entrants for your accomplishments and navigation through a historic moment that not only challenged the status quo but turned it on its head.

Monica Watt, Chief human resources officer, ELMO Software

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ELMO (ASX:ELO) is the fastest-growing HR tech company in the region and is ISO 27001:2013 certified. We provide innovative cloud HR, payroll and rostering/time and attendance technology to more than 1,600 organisations across Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, helping them to manage, engage and inspire their people. The ELMO solution allows organisations to manage their HR and payroll processes within one simple platform, with a single dashboard and reporting suite. Website: www.elmosoftware.co.nz Contact: contactus@elmosoftware.co.nz

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INDIVIDUAL AWARDS NZ HR Manager of the Year

NZ HR Rising Star of the Year

NZ HR Director of the Year

COMPANY & TEAM AWARDS HR Team of the Year (>500 Staff)

HR Team of the Year (<500 Staff)

Employer of Choice (>200 Staff)

Employer of Choice (<200 Staff)

Employer of Choice (Public Sector or NFP)

Best Reward & Recognition Program

Best Workplace Diversity & Inclusion Program

Best Health & Wellbeing Program

Best Graduate Development Program

Best Workplace Flexibility Program

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2021

CHAMPIONING NEW ZEALAND’S VERY BEST EMPLOYERS THE HRD AWARDS NEW ZEALAND RECOGNISED AND REWARDED THE NATION’S BRIGHTEST HR TEAMS, ORGANISATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS

AS WE move further into 2021, it’s overwhelmingly clear that priorities have shifted. The global COVID-19 pandemic revolutionised organisational structures, making remote work a necessity and placing a firm onus on employee mental wellbeing. Throughout the chaos, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Arden was lauded as a golden example of how to lead in times of uncertainty, showing that true strength of character comes from compassion, respect and recognition of others.

Recognising HR heroes In that vein, this year also saw the advent of the first-ever HRD Awards New Zealand – a celebration of the very best and brightest the HR sector has to offer. Across a range of industries, the awards shine a light on the teams, companies and individuals in this country that really went above and beyond in the past 12 months – especially in the face of COVID-19. “I recall an analogy being used for COVID-19 where they referenced it as all of us being in the same storm but all in

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different boats,” said Roz Urbahn, chief people officer at Livestock Improvement Corporation and winner of the NZ HR Director of the Year award. “That rang true on many levels and continues to be true. Not only were HR professionals helping others through this situation but they were also working through what it meant for them personally at the same time. Our team worked tirelessly to both support others and be in a good space so they could be resilient personally.” This commitment to authentic leadership is what shepherded organisations through tumultuous times. As the pandemic continued to rage on, the C-suite relied more and more heavily on HR’s expertise to quell anxiety and lead with care. New Zealand’s response to COVID was voted as the best in the world, according to Bloomberg’s market crisis management index – something that was reflected in companies throughout the nation. But the marker of true leadership is deeds, not words. HRD spoke to Andrew Tompkin, general manager of AbbVie New Zealand

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PROCESS  To be in the running for the HRD Awards New Zealand, individuals and companies could nominate themselves or their peers in unlimited categories.  All submissions focused on the achievements of the nominees over the past 12 months. and winner of the NZ Best Workplace Flexibility Program award, who explained how the company stepped up to the mark amid the chaos. “As the situation began to unfold in New Zealand, it was important to ensure employees had access to the resources and support needed to get through their day,” he told HRD. “It was equally important to provide employees with frequent and timely information, particularly during the early stages of COVID, to reassure employees throughout the ongoing changes from the pandemic. HR played a vital role in delivering operational and foundational resources to support employees during this time. Some of these support services included access to our Employee Assistance Program, which offers professional help and practical

 Our dedicated internal HRD Awards New Zealand team conducted thorough research to verify all submissions and nominations.  From there, we handed the shortlist to an independent jury of peers, who reviewed each submission and gave a corresponding score.

CATEGORIES he HRD Awards New Zealand featured 13 categories, T spanning individuals, teams, team leaders and small to large organisations.

KEY DATES  19 October 2020 Nominations began flowing in for the HRD Awards New Zealand.  9 to 11 February 2021 The HRD Awards New Zealand winners were announced.

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“ Not only were HR professionals helping others through this situation but they were also working through what it meant for them personally at the same time”

2021

Roz Urbahn Chief people officer, Livestock Improvement Corporation

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2021 tools to help employees manage many of life’s curveballs.” However, it wasn’t only COVID-19 that defined 2020. As New Zealand began to emerge from the pandemic, another issue was rearing its ugly head. Mental health took quite a bashing in the latter part of last year, with employees and leaders reporting feeling anxious, depressed and burned out. According to media reports, calls to mental health hotlines increased by up to 40% during the first weeks of lockdown, with people mainly looking for advice around financial anxiety and childcare. During these difficult times, it was HR we turned to, HR we trusted. And now, though there’s still a way to go in achieving perfect psychological wellbeing, we’re seeing employers invest more time in employee wellness. “One positive to emerge from 2020 was the increased focus on employee health and wellbeing,” said Monica Watt, CHRO of ELMO Software, sponsor of these awards. “In 2021, this focus will continue, but it will be a holistic approach to wellbeing, encompassing mental, physical, financial and social wellbeing.” In ELMO’s 2021 HR Industry Benchmark Report, the organisation highlighted several trends expected to emerge in 2021, Watt explained to HRD. “In 2021, 85% of respondents report a plan to increase their head count, or at least stay the same, given the year that we have just navigated filled with uncertainty, marking time and for most surviving,” she said. “An increase in head count or remaining the same demonstrates a positive economic outlook and a focus that businesses are looking to the future. Employers will rely more than ever before on the skills and expertise of their employees to navigate through an uncertain future. We’ve seen how technology is forcing employees to keep their skills sharp, but let’s not forget the so-called ‘soft skills’ such as negotiation, problem-solving and collaboration.” That intrinsic link between wellbeing, engagement and recognition has never been more important. Employees are feeling jaded – they’re feeling exhausted. There’s no need for grand sweeping gestures to show your appreciation; it’s all about personal recognition. “We’re all experiencing such crazy, uncertain times,” said Annie Brown, chief people officer at Trade Me and one of the HRD Awards panel’s esteemed judges. “Some businesses are really struggling with the stress of on and off physical distancing. As such, recognising our people becomes more important than ever before. Telling people that they’re doing really well, that we value them, and that they’re having an impact gives such a sense of belonging – and after all, everyone wants to belong to something.” As for the future, here’s hoping it’ll be less stressful and disruptive than the past. If the recent months taught us anything,

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it’s that strategic planning is the key to survival, and showcasing your compassion is the secret to results. With that in mind, HRD is honoured to present the heroes of the inaugural HRD Awards New Zealand, showcasing the very best of HR in the nation. Congratulations once again to this year’s nominees and winners.

“ Telling people they’re doing really well, that we value them, and that they’re having an impact gives such a sense of belonging – and after all, everyone wants to belong to something” Annie Brown Chief people officer, Trade Me

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2021 JUDGING PANEL Thank you to the esteemed judges for giving of their time and expertise to help recognise and celebrate excellence in the human resources profession

ANDREW BHIMY General manager people and culture, Public Trust

MEEGAN CAMPION General manager people operations, Bank of New Zealand

ANNAMARIE JAMIESON People and culture director, Stuff

MICHELLE BANFIELD General manager employee experience, Fonterra

ANNIE BROWN Chief people officer, Trade Me

MICHELLE RUSSELL General manager talent and culture, NZ and Pacific, ANZ

CLAIRE MCMANUS Regional HR director, APAC, Edelman

PAULA WILLIAMS People and culture director, Simpson Grierson

CLAIRE WALKER Chief people and culture officer, SkyCity Entertainment Group

RYAN GHISI General manager, global people programs, Xero

FIONA MASSON Group HR manager, Lifewise NZ

SHAUN PHILP Chief people officer, Chorus NZ

KATE DALY Human resources director, Bank of New Zealand

VANESSA FROST Global head of people, Orion Health

MARK O’CONNELL Chief people officer, Vocus Group

VICKI CAISLEY Chief people and strategy officer, Southern Cross Health Society

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2021

NZ HR MANAGER OF THE YEAR

NZ HR RISING STAR OF THE YEAR

NZ HR DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR

• Recognises the individual who has demonstrated excellence at the management level over the past 12 months

• Recognises the individual who has demonstrated excellence in their first five years of work in an HR role

• Recognises the HR leader who has demonstrated excellence at the executive level over the past 12 months

• Judged on leadership, communication, strategy, drive and results

GOLD WINNER

KATHARINE COLLINS

SHANNON TOTTLE

ROZ URBAHN

Pernod Ricard Winemakers

Kraft Heinz

Livestock Improvement Corporation (LIC)

EXCELLENCE AWARD

Amanda Donaldson

Celeste Botherway

Harmoney

Auckland University of Technology

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2021

HRD AWARDS NEW ZEALAND

FEATURED WINNER

NZ HR DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR Livestock Improvement Corporation (LIC) ROZ URBAHN leads the Livestock Improvement Corporation’s people agenda with an inspiring and determined approach. She has built an excellent team around her who are well recognised both internally and externally for the work that they deliver. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, LIC was able to quickly adapt in part because of the excellent solutions created by Urbahn and the team. Her strong and proactive leadership during and post COVID directly resulted in the business delivering to both strategy and supporting performance targets. Urbahn has led significant changes with her team over the past 12 months at LIC, from implementing flexible work practices to creating leadership development programs and delivering an ever-growing wellbeing program. On top of this, she was named by HRD as one of New Zealand’s top HR professionals of 2020 and one of six HR leaders driving cultural and digital transformation by ‘turbocharging’ their people strategy. She was also the winner of both the 2020 HRNZ Organisational Change & Development Award and the 2020 HRNZ Best Wellness Programme Award. A sought-after speaker in the HR sector, Urbahn has addressed a large variety of forums and enjoys sharing her passion for empowering, enabling and boosting people to achieve the success they deserve. Wayne McNee, LIC’s chief executive, nominated Urbahn for the HR Director of the Year award, stating: “Above all it is Urbahn’s personal leadership approach that places her in the highest echelon of HR directors. She inspires higher performance, business collaboration, encourages an inclusive environment, and all done by role-modelling authenticity.”

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2021 HR TEAM OF THE YEAR (>500 STAFF)

HR TEAM OF THE YEAR (<500 STAFF)

• Recognises the HR team in an organisation with over 500 employees in New Zealand that has demonstrated excellence over the past 12 months

• Recognises the HR team in an organisation with up to 500 employees in New Zealand that has demonstrated excellence over the past 12 months

• Judged on overall team performance, including leadership, communication, strategy, drive and results

GOLD WINNER

BANK OF NEW ZEALAND (BNZ) PEOPLE & CULTURE TEAM

EXCELLENCE AWARDS

EXCELLENCE AWARD

Kraft Heinz Wattie’s

Rocket Lab

Livestock Improvement Corporation (LIC) NZME The Warehouse Group

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PERNOD RICARD WINEMAKERS

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EMPLOYER OF CHOICE (>200 STAFF)

EMPLOYER OF CHOICE (<200 STAFF)

EMPLOYER OF CHOICE

• Recognises the best organisation to work for in New Zealand with 200 or more employees

• Recognises the best organisation to work for in New Zealand with less than 200 employees

• Recognises the best public sector or not-for-profit organisation to work for in New Zealand

• Judged on leadership, engagement, communication and employee benefits

GOLD WINNER

XERO

GALLAGHER BASSETT

EXCELLENCE AWARDS

AA New Zealand

CFS Finance

Chorus

Clorox New Zealand

Christchurch International Airport

Domain Name Commission

(PUBLIC SECTOR OR NFP)

DOMAIN NAME COMMISSION

Livestock Improvement Corporation (LIC) Suncorp New Zealand

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2021 EMPLOYER OF CHOICE (PUBLIC SECTOR OR NFP)

2021

FEATURED WINNER

HRD AWARDS NEW ZEALAND

DOMAIN NAME COMMISSION DOMAIN NAME COMMISSION (DNC) strives to provide its employees with a safe, supportive, flexible and caring environment. For its employees, DNC is not just an organisation but a connected community that helps them perform and grow. It listens to them; embraces their differences and career aspirations; balances capabilities, opportunities and motivation; and encourages collaboration and team synergy. The challenges of COVID-19 have not deterred the InternetNZ subsidiary from its aim of becoming a great workplace. Shortly before the lockdown began, the organisation transitioned to working

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100% remotely. DNC supported its employees during the lockdown by embracing new communication tools, implementing a customer service bot to help manage work demands, and frequently checking on their mental health. The Wellington-based not-for-profit organisation has also helped its employees advance their goals through learning and development initiatives. It encouraged staff to enroll in leadership and skills-based training programs via digital learning platforms like Udemy and Oxford; complete a number of personality tests and icebreaker questions; and take

on support directorship and volunteer positions in industry groups. After the lockdown, DNC implemented a flexible model that allows staff to work from home and at the office. It also took the best of the home environment and brought some of that into the physical office and vice versa. Some of the benefits DNC employees enjoy include life, critical illness and health insurance; a paid home internet connection contract up to $120; additional KiwiSaver contributions matched up to 4%; free vaccinations and eye tests; and paid leave and an annual volunteer day.

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BEST REWARD & RECOGNITION PROGRAM

BEST WORKPLACE DIVERSITY & INCLUSION PROGRAM

• Recognises excellence and innovation in employee reward and recognition programs and initiatives

• Recognises excellence and

• Judged on consultation, strategy, implementation and results

GOLD WINNER

innovation in diversity and inclusion programs and initiatives

CENTRAL HAWKE’S BAY DISTRICT COUNCIL

GALLAGHER BASSETT

EXCELLENCE AWARDS

EXCELLENCE AWARD

Bank of New Zealand (BNZ)

Xero

Z Energy

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2021 BEST HEALTH & WELLBEING PROGRAM

BEST GRADUATE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

BEST WORKPLACE FLEXIBILITY PROGRAM

• Recognises excellence and innovation in workplace health and wellbeing programs and initiatives

• Recognises excellence and innovation in graduate development programs and initiatives in any organisation in New Zealand

• Recognises excellence and innovation in workplace flexibility programs and initiatives

• Judged on consultation, strategy, implementation and results

GOLD WINNER

CHORUS

• Judged on consultation, strategy, implementation and results

GOLD WINNER

XERO

MINISTRY FOR PRIMARY INDUSTRIES

EXCELLENCE AWARDS

EXCELLENCE AWARD

EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Bank of New Zealand (BNZ)

Ministry for Primary Industries

AbbVie New Zealand

Southern Cross Health Insurance

Hamilton City Council

Xero

Schneider Electric New Zealand Xero

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We can help you determine the most suitable configuration that best meets your business needs

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Course Library Video Library

CALL: 0800 884 510 VISIT: elmosoftware.co.nz www.keymediaawards.com/hrawardsnz

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BY THE ORGANISERS OF

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masterclass

2021 OFFICIAL MEDIA

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