The biggest night on the Ryman calendar went virtual this year, making the star-studded 2020 awards one for the history books. Rymanians across New Zealand and Victoria donned their finest suits and gowns, many teaming the formal wear with a pair of slippers, to watch the awards that were streamed live via YouTube because of COVID-19. The virtual nature of the awards meant the ceremony was packed with surprises including guest MCs Anika Moa and Hilary Barry, appearances by stars from Shortland Street and Neighbours and tear-jerking messages from the family members of the Kevin Hickman award finalists.
Gordon MacLeod said he was proud of the whole Ryman team. "We have faced, and we are facing the biggest challenge that this company has experienced in 35 years of operation and that’s no mean feat," he said. "To get through the last six months, and to be doing such a magnificent job in Victoria is a real credit to all of you and I am incredibly proud and humbled of the work that all of you have done."
The Kevin Hickman award is presented each year to the team member who embodies Kevin’s founding values of kindness, excellence, leadership and care. Ryman Times • 8
This year’s Kevin Hickman award was presented to Bert Sutcliffe Village Manager Marika Laflamme. “I met Kevin once at the village a few years ago, and to carry his legacy is a real honour for me. “I can’t even explain how Ryman has changed my life in the five years I’ve been in New Zealand and at Ryman.” Bob Owens Retirement Village was named village of the year, with manager Brian Bark and his team taking out the award for offering fantastic support to residents and their families, achieving consistently stellar staff survey ratings and providing excellent clinical care.
