Over 400 attended the online ceremony last week, hosted by Alison Mau, to celebrate those organisations throughout the country that are achieving best practice in creating more inclusive workplaces for New Zealand’s LGBTTQI+ community.

The awards featured videos from finalists and winners alongside special guests, including Labour MP Louisa Wall, known as the ‘Mother of Marriage Equality’, who laid down a challenge for the organisations of Aotearoa “to reach out to our Pacific neighbours and our local communities, to encourage support of rainbow initiatives and events.”

The winner of the 2021 Westpac Supreme Award, Spaceworks Interior Architecture, was a first-time entrant who recently gained Rainbow Tick certification across their Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown offices.

“We’re beyond thrilled at the wins Spaceworks had at the Rainbow Excellence Awards,” says CEO Lizzi Whaley. “It confirms that we’re on the right journey with our vision around diversity and inclusivity. We’re keen to drive change and acceptance in the design and architecture industry, with a future goal based on the impact we can create in the wider construction sector.”

Awards Director and judging convenor, Martin King, said Spaceworks is a shining example of how businesses of any size can weave rainbow inclusion into their everyday workplace experience. “As a newcomer to the Awards, they have been on a fast-paced journey towards making a measurable impact and setting a standard that other organisations can aspire to. We’re incredibly proud to call them this year’s Supreme Winner.”

King congratulated all of the entrants and finalists who have “boldly shared their stories and are committed to this journey,” pointing out the judges were impressed by the continued advancement of rainbow inclusion initiatives despite disruptions from Covid.

“If there was ever a time when organisations should be accelerating their commitments to diversity and inclusion, it is now,” King said. “Covid has forced change upon organisations to work differently and, with the rise of day-to-day video conferencing, employees have been thrust into bringing their whole selves to work like never before; inviting people into their homes, garages, living rooms and everyday lives. Employers need to embrace and celebrate the diversity of our workforce – it’s here to stay.”

The 2021 New Zealand Rainbow Excellence Awards category winners are:

Spaceworks Interior Architecture – Westpac Supreme Award
ASB Bank – SkyCity Community and Advocacy Award
New Zealand Defence Force – Simpson Grierson Impact Award
Spaceworks Interior Architecture – Partners Life Emerging Award
Lizzi Whaley, CEO Spaceworks Interior Architecture – Newmarket Business Association Executive Leadership Award
Shelly Thompson, New Zealand Intelligence Community – Chorus Ambassadorship Award
EY – Grant Thornton Innovation Award
Les Mills International – Purple Sherbet Representation in Marketing Award
Chorus NZ – Rainbow Tick Training and Development Award
New Zealand Defence Force – Rainbow Tick Non-Commercial Sector Award
Spaceworks Interior Architecture – Westpac SME Rainbow Inclusivity Award