2024 Finalists

Managing Director
Little School

Maria Johnson, founder and CEO of Little School Early Childhood Education (ECE), established seven centers in New Zealand since 2003 and oversees five private ECE centers. A qualified teacher and former Chair of the Early Childhood Council, Maria has represented NZ internationally and provides ECE consultancy to governments and organisations globally. She developed the Little School model, focusing on tailored skill development and problem-solving, incorporating philosophies like Reggio Emilia within a cultural context. Maria also systemised Little School operations using the Bedrock methodology, enhancing teaching focus, reducing administrative tasks, and standardising staff training.

Co-Founder
Tax Traders & Taxi

Nicola is an inspiring, purpose-driven leader who has led Tax Traders to exceptional success over the last 12 years. Driven by a pursuit of equity in the tax system, she believes business can be a force for good. Her pioneering people and culture practices are integral to Tax Traders' "DNA." Nicola is an innovative leader and the brainchild behind new venture Taxi, which addresses SMEs' challenges, potentially adding $10.8 billion to Aotearoa's economy. Under her leadership, Tax Traders has excelled in growth and achieved world-class NPS scores. Nicola is known for her deep and genuine love for her team, her inclusive and collaborative leadership style and her drive and determination to see her people achieve greatly.

CEO
ASB

Vittoria Shortt has demonstrated exceptional leadership since becoming CEO of ASB Bank in 2018, driving a notable increases in half-year profits during economically challenging times. Her focus on delivering excellent customer experiences and embracing digital transformation has significantly enhanced ASB’s services and customer satisfaction. She has prioritised sustainability, aligning ASB's operations with New Zealand’s environmental goals, and actively promotes gender and ethnic diversity in leadership roles. 

CEO
Top Energy Group

Russell has led Top Energy through significant growth, delivering impressive returns to shareholders and overseeing major investments in the Ngawha Geothermal power generation plant. He has ensured reliable power supply to businesses, institutions, and households across the region. Russell supports strong community initiatives, including the Northland Rescue Helicopter, the Swimsafe programme, and the Northland Science Fair, while also serving as the long-term Regional Partner to The Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Scheme. 

CEO
Foodstuffs North Island

Chris Quin demonstrated outstanding leadership during the Auckland Floods and Cyclone Gabrielle, ensuring Foodstuffs maintained operations and supported affected communities. Under his guidance, Foodstuffs significantly expanded its social supermarket initiative, opening four new stores in FY23 to provide affordable food options and promote healthier living. Chris oversaw substantial growth, including the opening of six new stores, and played a pivotal role in the proposed merger of Foodstuffs and Foodstuffs South Island into a single national cooperative. 

Founder & CEO
Kara Technologies
 

Dr. Arash Tayebi founded Kara Technology after being diagnosed with Meniere's disease and losing the hearing in one ear. His experience led him to investigate the Deaf community and recognise the significant barriers they face. Kara Technology, under his leadership, developed a real-time automatic sign language translator using digital humans and AI, providing accessibility for the Deaf community. Arash's vision and innovative solutions are making sign language support widely available, benefiting various sectors, including education, entertainment, and emergency notifications

CEO
Partly

Levi Fawcett is the founder and CEO of Partly, a startup transforming the $1.9 trillion auto parts industry by connecting and promoting sustainability through recycled parts. His leadership has attracted top talent from major tech companies, reversing the brain drain in New Zealand. Under his guidance, Partly secured Series A funding and is reshaping the vehicle repair industry in Australasia and Europe. Fawcett is also a prominent tech industry leader, sharing his AI and machine learning expertise and mentoring other entrepreneurs.
 

Founder & CEO
MACSO

Saba Samiei emigrated to New Zealand in 2012 to study artificial intelligence (AI) and AI ethics. After six years of research, she identified a gap in AI technologies and founded MACSO in June 2021. MACSO developed an AI 'ear' to help pig farmers detect Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS), reducing death rates by up to 75%. Additionally, MACSO has created a nasal sensor to detect vaping and smoke, used in schools and hospitality venues across several countries, with a focus on edge computing to minimise the carbon footprint.
 

Founder
GirlBoss New Zealand

As the founder of GirlBoss New Zealand, Alexia Hilbertidou has addressed gender disparity in the tech industry by empowering over 100,000 young women through workshops, conferences, and employment schemes. Alexia's leadership has earned her recognition as the youngest recipient of the Queen's Young Leaders Award and inclusion in Forbes 30 Under 30. Her advocacy work extends to encouraging women in various sectors and creating alternative education pathways, making her a prominent voice for diverse entrepreneurs and social justice.

Founder & CEO
OpenStar Technologies
 

Ratu founded a fusion company, OpenStar, in a Mount Victoria garage and has since expanded to over 40 permanent staff, and achieved milestones surpassing many international fusion companies with significantly more capital and time. His charisma and leadership have made OpenStar the most ambitious and exciting company in New Zealand's history. As a young Maori leader, Ratu takes pride in his whakapapa and has created one of the most exciting start-ups globally, making him a deserving recipient of this award.
 

Head of Sustainable Investment
NZ Super Fund

Anne-Maree O'Connor, Head of Sustainable Investment at the $74 billion NZ Super Fund, has been a pivotal figure in the rise of responsible investment over the past decade. She developed the NZ Super Fund’s responsible investment policy, earning global recognition from organisations such as the UNPRI, RIAA, and the Responsible Allocator Initiative. Anne-Maree's leadership in creating the Fund’s Climate Change Investment Strategy has led to ambitious carbon reduction targets, significant capital allocations to climate transition investments, and a commitment to net zero by 2050. She has spearheaded the Fund’s shift towards sustainable finance, integrating environmental, social, and governance considerations

Founding Trustee
Sea Cleaners

Captain Hayden Smith, a visionary leader of Ngāi Tahu descent, has led Sea Cleaners for over two decades, focusing on rejuvenating New Zealand's marine environment. Starting with a single boat in Auckland’s Waitematā Harbour in 2002, he has expanded the operation to 10 boats nationwide, both cleaning coasts and engaging communities in sustainability. Hayden's dedication has earned national and international acclaim, including the Sir Peter Blake “Kaitiaki o te taiao” award and recognition as an Eisenhower Fellow. Under his leadership, SEA CLEANERS is set to become the first accredited provider of service to the global Plastic Credit markets, showcasing his innovative approach to sustainable ocean initiatives.
 

CEO
Pathfinder Asset Management

John Berry, co-founder and CEO of Pathfinder Asset Management, has been a transformative leader in the ethical investment movement in Aotearoa New Zealand for over a decade. He has grown Pathfinder from a small office operation to managing $600 million, pioneering net-zero emissions targets and achieving B Corp status. John's work extends beyond Pathfinder, as he tirelessly raises awareness of ethical investment through media, presentations, and articles, earning him Mindful Money's Best Media Reporting on Ethical Investment Award in 2022 and 2023. Additionally, John has dedicated a decade to serving on the board of Men’s Health Trust, advocating for long-term income streams for charities.
 

Director of Intellectual Property and Innovation
Soul Machines

Antonia is a leader and expert in AI technology, and the driving force behind Soul Machines, a startup revolutionising digital experiences with human-like digital people. She also co-runs a high-tech solar panel business with her husband. A brilliant IP lawyer and entrepreneur, she has been a guest speaker for CREST and the World IP Day 2023 panel on Women and IP. Her contributions to IP and AI are world-leading and deserving of recognition.
 

Head of Technology and Innovation
Animation Research Limited

John Rendall, Head of Innovation at ARL, has been a key figure in New Zealand's technology scene for 34 years. Hired straight from school in 2006, his visionary leadership has driven ARL to global success, earning multiple International EMMY Awards and a Special Lifetime Achievement Award from the NZ Hi Tech Trust. John's groundbreaking projects, like the America's Cup and The Masters Golf Coverage, have significantly reduced carbon emissions and boosted ARL's market dominance.

CEO
Total Healthcare Charitable Trust

As CEO of Total Healthcare Charitable Trust, Mark advocates for holistic, low-cost services, particularly for Māori, Pacific peoples, and other priority communities. Mark's initiatives, such as the Wellness Support Team and the "From the Couch" program, address social, health, and wellbeing needs, significantly impacting South and West Auckland communities. His relentless efforts aim to scale these local successes nationally, improving lives across New Zealand.
 

Founder
Adaptive Whakauru Tahi Charitable Trust

Leanna Beaker, founded the Adaptive Whakauru Tahi Charitable Trust to address the need for adaptive movement opportunities for individuals with visible and invisible disabilities. Under her leadership, the trust has thrived since its inception in October 2022, offering one-on-one sessions, community classes, and partnerships with local authorities to enhance the quality of life for participants. The trust has become a vital resource in Hawkes Bay, supported by funders such as lotteries, and is known for its fully accessible, inclusive approach. Leanna's dedication bridges the gap between disabled and non-disabled communities, promoting equitable participation in various events and activities.

Director
Pride Pledge

Martin King, is a visionary leader and Diversity Champion who has significantly advanced D&I in Aotearoa New Zealand. With over two decades of corporate HR experience, Martin dedicated himself full-time to promoting rainbow inclusion in 2018 by founding Pride Pledge, a social enterprise aimed at helping organisations embark on their rainbow inclusion journeys. Despite starting with minimal resources, Martin's strategic brilliance and dedication propelled Pride Pledge into prominence, partnering with over 300 organisations to foster inclusive environments through workshops and consultancy services. In late 2021, Martin introduced the Rainbow Inclusion Stocktake, an innovative benchmark and assessment tool.

Head of Talent, Diversity & Inclusion 
Chorus NZ

Sarah Archer is a beacon of DE&I Leadership, recognised for her unwavering commitment to fostering a safe, empowering, and empathetic culture at Chorus. Her leadership led to a Workplace Culture Review in 2021 and the development of Chorus’s DE&I Strategy, launched in August 2022. The strategy, based on Te Whare Tapa Whā, emphasises Hauora and reflects Chorus's holistic approach to health and wellbeing, promoting inclusion and belonging through biculturalism and multiculturalism. Under Sarah’s guidance, Chorus has seen significant cultural shifts, including a 34% participation rate in the Te Ao Māori program and initiatives aimed at gender inclusivity, achieving a 50% gender split among candidates.

CEO & Co-Founder
One Mother to Another NZ

Joy Reid has significantly impacted the mental health and wellbeing of mothers with hospitalised children. Inspired by her own experience in Christchurch's NICU, Joy started OMTA to provide care packs to parents in similar situations. Over the past eight years, OMTA has distributed over 6,000 care packages throughout the South Island, supporting families in NICUs, pediatric wards, and palliative care. As a seasoned TVNZ journalist, Joy leverages her extensive experience to advocate for perinatal support, addressing the gap between the healthcare system's provisions and the needs of mothers.

 

Chairperson
Te Poho-O-Rawiri Marae

From 2020 to 2022, Charlotte initiated a COVID-19 response in Kaiti, rallying a volunteer workforce to deliver food packages to over 10,000 residents and expanding the effort to rural communities and Elgin. She established Ka Pai Kaiti for COVID welfare checks and organised over 50 drive-through vaccination clinics, managing the delivery of hundreds of tonnes of donated goods. Additionally, Charlotte founded Poho Kitchen, producing hundreds of meals daily for a year, and secured funding for three full-time employees for Ka Pai Kaiti. When Cyclone Gabrielle hit, she transformed Te Poho o Rawiri Marae into a hub for affected individuals, coordinating relief efforts and distributing essential supplies to the community.

CEO & Founder
Rei Kotuku

Dr. Amanda Evans (MbChB FRACP FaChPM) is one of only two Paediatric Palliative Specialists in New Zealand and the founder of Rei Kōtuku, a charitable trust established in Wellington in 2022. Rei Kōtuku provides specialised paediatric palliative and bereavement care to children and their families facing serious illness and terminal prognosis, ensuring comprehensive care, often in their own homes. Dr. Evans leads a dedicated team that has developed a 'hub and spoke' model of care, enhancing accessibility and comfort for young patients while promoting a deeper connection to their families and communities. Her work is deeply grounded in te ao Māori, emphasising culturally inclusive and dignified care for every child.

Chief Executive
Ministry of Social Development

Debbie Power has demonstrated outstanding leadership as Chief Executive of MSD, driving positive transformation and improving outcomes for New Zealand's vulnerable populations. Her strategic oversight led to the Social Wellbeing Strategy, addressing issues like poverty and homelessness, resulting in more targeted aid. Power championed the use of technology and data through the Digital First initiative, enhancing service accessibility and operational efficiency. Her commitment to stakeholder engagement and the establishment of the Community Partnerships Fund have strengthened relationships and provided tailored support to those in need.

 

Chief Executive
Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment

Carolyn Tremain has been pivotal in shaping MBIE's strategic direction, fostering innovation and excellence. She led the "Industry Transformation Plans" for sectors like agritech and construction, promoting collaboration and economic growth. Her modernisation initiatives and the "Better for Business" program have enhanced service delivery and reduced compliance costs for businesses. Tremain's inclusive leadership and commitment to stakeholder engagement, particularly through the "Māori Economic Development Strategy," have significantly advanced MBIE's mission and New Zealand's economic development.


 

Tuia Te Herenga Initiative Lead
Environment Canterbury

Jeanine is dedicated to advancing well-being for her whānau, hapū, and iwi Māori, focusing on social innovation for equity in health and education. With nearly 30 of working and contributing to advance Māori health outcomes, particularly in the area of child and maternal health, she has served as Co-Chair of of the Ministry of Health's National Maternity Monitoring Group and the National Maternity and Neonatal Digital and Data Steering Group. Jeanine's passion for education led her to earn a Master of Māori and Indigenous Leadership with Distinction. Her commitment extends to Co-Chairing Brainwave Trust Aotearoa and involvement in her children's school board, emphasizing her dedication to improving systems for Māori success.

Chairman
Pacific Business Trust
 

Paul, as Chairman of the Pacific Business Trust, has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to the economic empowerment of Pasifika communities. Under his guidance, the Trust has implemented successful programs such as the Business Growth Program and a microfinance initiative, which have significantly boosted Pasifika businesses and the local economy. His efforts in fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and partnerships with financial institutions and government agencies have created numerous opportunities for Pasifika individuals and businesses.
 

Artisitic Director
The Conch Charitable Trust
 

Nina Nawalowalo ONZM is a Pacific leader with a 40-year career in Pacific Arts, using the arts as a catalyst for social change. She has directed groundbreaking works such as "Vula," "Masi," and "The White Guitar," bringing Pacific stories to the global stage and performing at over 60 international festivals. She founded the Solomon Islands National Women’s Theatre Company, "Stages of Change," to combat violence against women and girls, which continues to thrive independently. Her dedication to uncovering untold stories and leveraging theatre for social impact has solidified her as a transformative figure in the arts community.

Broadcaster & Author
NZME

Stacey Morrison is a leading figure in cultural preservation and positive impact within the Māori community and nationwide. For over 20 years, she has pioneered initiatives that celebrate and safeguard Māori culture and language, ensuring their thriving legacy. Through education, publications, advocacy, and community engagement, Stacey empowers Māori of all ages to embrace their identity with pride. As a media personality and community leader, she fosters connections between Māori and broader society, promoting understanding and collaboration. Her leadership exemplifies cultural stewardship and inspires positive change far beyond the Māori community.
 

Managing Director
Mather Solutions

Dr. Jim Mather is of Ngāti Awa, Ngāi Tūhoe, and English descent, and grew up in Te Teko, Ōtara, and Māngere. He has held significant leadership roles, including Chief Executive of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa and Whakaata Māori. Since 2018, he has been a professional director and founded Mather Solutions Limited, a specialist Māori development consultancy. Dr. Mather holds an MBA from Henley Business School, and a PhD in Māori economic development from AUT University. He is a Chartered Accountant and Chartered Fellow of theInstitute of Directors and is a past recipient of the NZ Army Sword of Honour. He currently chairs Radio New Zealand, Ngāti Awa Group Holdings Limited, and Tonkin + Taylor.

CEO
Waikato-Tainui

Donna Flavell is a prominent leader in Post-Settlement Aotearoa, having played a crucial role in the tribal settlement negotiations for Waikato-Tainui. Over nearly a decade, she has led the iwi through both challenging and successful times, steering one of the most profitable and successful iwi in the country with humility and determination. Donna has influenced national Māori responses to legislative reforms, designed strategic approaches to freshwater management, and led tribal responses to the pandemic and natural disasters. Her leadership style ensures the fulfillment of her ancestors' dreams for her 89,000-strong tribe.
 

Founder & CEO
OpenStar Technologies

Ratu founded OpenStar, a fusion company that started in a Mount Victoria garage and has since raised over $20 million NZD, grown to over 40 permanent staff, and achieved remarkable success compared to other international fusion companies. His charismatic leadership has created the most ambitious and exciting company in New Zealand history, surpassing expectations for what could be accomplished locally. As a young Māori leader, Ratu has made his whakapapa proud and proven that world-changing innovation can happen in New Zealand. He is a deserving candidate for this award due to his exceptional achievements and visionary leadership.

Founder
GirlBoss New Zealand

Alexia Hilbertidou embodies the entrepreneurial spirit through her exceptional accomplishments and unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on the world. As the founder of GirlBoss New Zealand, she has empowered over 100,000 young women, fostering their leadership skills and passion for technology and entrepreneurship. Alexia has been recognised globally, receiving the Queen's Young Leaders Award and being named one of Forbes 30 Under 30. Her advocacy work extends to various sectors, amplifying the voices of marginalised communities and implementing significant societal changes.
 

CEO & Co-Founder
VXT

Luke Campbell is an innovator who tackles challenges with the same resourcefulness and teamwork he honed as an avid strategy gamer. Luke has built a career removing friction for his team and customers, leading to VXT’s rapid success and a cult following. Under his leadership, VXT’s innovative software has quintupled its international customer base in 2023 and currently saves law firms significant time and money by automating tedious administrative tasks. Luke's ability to catalyse the potential in others has fostered a supportive company culture where team members feel empowered to challenge authority, make decisions, and take ownership.

Acting Director, Transformation & Change
New Zealand Police

Sasha was appointed as the Change Management Practice Lead within the transformation division of Police in 2021, quickly developing a vision to grow the profession and benefit the organisation. Her team expanded from 4 to over 17 employees in the first 18 months, and she successfully advocated for their involvement in critical work, including multi-million dollar programs to improve staff safety and deliver a new referral tool for the frontline. Sasha recognised a gap in senior leaders' understanding of organisational change and established an enterprise reporting tool to inform decision-making and optimise public spending. In January 2024, Sasha was promoted to Acting Director of Transformation, overseeing 130 project professionals, and continues to foster growth and collaboration within her team and across government agencies.