Sponsored by Aramex
Workplace First Aid Training Ltd
A strong community focus that sets them apart
Established from Head office in Ōtepoti Dunedin in 2004 and registered as a Private Training Establishment since 2014, Workplace First Aid Training Ltd provide high-quality, flexible training options across New Zealand.
With over 21 years of expertise, their courses combine onsite and venue-based delivery with online pre-learning modules, minimising workplace disruption while ensuring comprehensive skill development.
Workplace First Aid Training Ltd has a strong community focus sets them apart. Workplace First Aid Training Ltd sponsor and support local events, including reputable community volunteers and youth groups, and provide trained responders where needed. To date, Workplace First Aid Training Ltd have contributed over $400,000 in scholarships and grants – reflecting their commitment to their people and community.
Recent growth includes a strategic leadership restructure, appointing Nina Gray as General Manager and Marnie Funnell as Regional Manager, to assist First Aid Phil in further expansions and enhance service delivery and innovation. Looking ahead, they plan to launch a mental health training course and upgrade their e-learning platform.
They now train close to 10,000 organisations nationwide and plan to expand operations further afield.
Their unique value lies in combining real-world experience, community engagement, and custom-built systems to deliver impactful, accessible training. Workplace First Aid Training Ltd is more than a training provider – it’s a movement toward safer, more prepared communities, strategically partnering with organisations that share their vision for making a real difference.
Medrecruit
Evolving into a purpose-driven, tech-enabled organisation
Australasia’s leading medical recruitment agency, Medrecruit connects doctors with locum and permanent roles across Australia and New Zealand.
Founded by a Queenstown doctor, the company focuses on improving the lives of medical professionals.
In 2024 Medrecruit launched two key innovations, the Digital Doctor Profile and the Medworld Timesheeting App, which streamline credentialing and timesheet processes. These tools have significantly reduced paperwork, saving thousands of hours and improving placement efficiency. Over 3,000 timesheets have been processed and more than 1,000 doctors onboarded monthly.
Medrecruit’s unique value lies in its tech-driven approach to solving long-standing inefficiencies in medical staffing. By digitising administration heavy tasks, they’ve returned thousands of hours annually to patient care. Their innovations earned them the Excellence in Innovation award at the 2025 RCSA Awards in New Zealand.
In the past year, the company relocated to the Queenstown Research and Innovation Centre, expanded its team, and evolved into a purpose-driven, tech-enabled organisation. Future plans include AI-powered job matching, deeper hospital system integrations, and continued investment in doctor wellbeing through the Medworld Institute.
Medrecruit aims to become the most trusted, tech-enabled recruitment experience in healthcare across Australasia.
Cancer Society Southern
Making a vital difference in the lives of those facing cancer
Cancer Society Southern is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by cancer across Otago and Southland. Their services include transport to treatment, free accommodation, counselling, financial assistance, and access to Cancer Navigators. They also provide education on early detection and prevention, and fund scholarships for cancer research.
Over the past 18 months, demand for their services has surged by over 30%, driven by rising cancer rates and longer survivorship. To meet this need, the Cancer Society Southern has expanded clinic locations, launched a 24/7 online support portal, and introduced specialist services in physiotherapy, counselling, and diet. A new three-year exercise programme aims to improve colorectal cancer survival rates.
In the last year, they increased investment in research from 3% to 12%, grew their physical presence from 16 to 38 locations, and supported 41% more families. Their inaugural In Pursuit conference connected global researchers with local innovators to advance cancer research.
Looking ahead, their strategic goals include expanding reach, securing sustainable funding, growing research investment, and forming impactful partnerships. As the only organisation offering this comprehensive support, they’ve transported over 5,500 patients and provided nearly 14,000 nights of accommodation - making a vital difference in the lives of those facing cancer.
Wānaka Stone Ltd
Consistently meeting their customers’ expectations
“When people choose our stone, they are bringing a little part of Central Otago into their home - through the colours, the textures and the history of schist,” says director Lucy Middendorf.
“We take that responsibility really seriously. As custodians of a precious resource, we have an obligation to manage it in a way that respects its mana.”
Wānaka Stone’s customers include stonemasons, builders, landscape designers, and homeowners seeking high-quality schist for high-end commercial and residential projects.
“Our customers have exacting standards and expect high-quality, reliable product and service every time.
“We are always looking to improve our products and services, listening to our customers’ feedback and adapting our approach.
“We take the time to carefully research and discuss each project with our customers, whether it's cladding 140 villas for a new retirement village or landscaping and cladding a high-end residential property.
“We consistently meet our customers’ expectations as evidenced by the feedback we receive.”
Established in 2014, Wānaka Stone extracts distinctive schist from its two iconic Central Otago quarries. Stone has a long history as a building material in Central Otago, and Wānaka Stone’s schist can be seen on many of Central Otago’s significant structures.
