The inaugural New Zealand Leadership Awards, hosted by Robert Walters and supported by New Zealand Rugby, brought together over 350 of Aotearoa’s top business and community leaders to honour outstanding contributions across the nation. With over 630 nominations reviewed by a distinguished judging panel—including four Knights, three Dames, and leaders like Sir Peter Beck of Rocket Lab and Dame Patsy Reddy—the awards celebrated leadership excellence in ten categories.
Held on 15 August, the black-tie gala was a night to remember. MC Antonia Prebble guided the event with warmth and charisma, setting the tone for an evening filled with inspiring speeches and a shared sense of purpose. The evening honoured and celebrated the achievements of the well-deserving finalists and winners, all inspiring and resilient individuals.
The awards shined a spotlight on those who have demonstrated outstanding vision, influence, and impact across various sectors. From trailblazing innovators to community champions, these awardees exemplify the strength and potential of leadership in Aotearoa, setting benchmarks for excellence and inspiring the next generation of leaders.
Shay Peters, CEO of Robert Walters Australia and New Zealand, praised the high caliber of entries and highlighted the awards’ purpose: “The incredible quality of the nominations we received this year underscores the pivotal role that leadership plays in New Zealand... Robert Walters launched the Leadership Awards to recognise and celebrate the central role great leadership plays in driving growth, celebrating innovation, increasing productivity and maintaining the health and wellbeing of our communities across our economy.”
Robert Walters extends congratulations to all finalists and winners, with a special mention to overall winner Levi Fawcett, CEO of Partly, whose entrepreneurial vision and resilience earned him the top accolade.
Levi’s entrepreneurial journey, from being told he would be unemployable to leading a company targeting a $1.6 trillion global opportunity in the automotive industry, impressed the judges. Under his leadership, Partly has achieved rapid growth, with a record-breaking Series A fundraise of $36 million, marking it as New Zealand's largest Series A to date.
The New Zealand Leadership Award 2024 category winners are:
SME Business Leadership Award – sponsored by Xero
Nicola Taylor – Co-Founder – Tax Traders & Taxi
Community Leadership Award – sponsored by Anthony Harper
Charlotte Gibson – Chairperson – Te Poho-O-Rawiri Marae
Innovation Leadership Award – sponsored by Hnry
John Rendall – Head of Technology and Innovation – Animation Research Limited
ED&I Leadership Award – sponsored by SkyCity
Sarah Archer – Head of Talent, Diversity & Inclusion – Chorus NZ
Entrepreneur Leadership Award - sponsored by Steinlarger
Levi Fawcett – CEO – Partly
Public Sector Leadership Award – sponsored by Meredith Connell
Joint Winners
Debbie Power – Chief Executive – Ministry of Social Development
Carolyn Tremain – Chief Executive – Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment
Māori Leadership Award – sponsored by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei
Donna Flavell – CEO – Waikato-Tainui
Pasifika Leadership Award – sponsored by TupuToa
Joint Winners
Paul Retimanu – Chairman – Pacific Business Trust
Nina Nawalowalo – Artistic Director – The Conch Charitable Trust
Sustainability Business Award – sponsored by Fonterra
John Berry – CEO – Pathfinder Asset Management
Large Business Leadership Award – sponsored by Air New Zealand
Paul Newfield, CEO - Morrison
Most Incredible Emerging Leader Award
Ratu Mataira – Founder & CEO - OpenStar Technologies
Highly commended - Charlotte Gibson – Chairperson – Te Poho-O-Rawiri Marae
Most Incredible Leader Award
Levi Fawcett – CEO, Partly
Find out more about the awards winners.
A final congratulations to all the 2024 finalists and winners, you are what made this event so special.
Thanks again to our Sponsors and Partner New Zealand Rugby for supporting Robert Walters and the 2024 New Zealand Leadership Awards.
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