It received the mana tangata leader award at the recent Human Resources Institute of New Zealand (HRNZ) Awards, in recognition of its excellence in the enactment of tikanga Māori-based human resources practice.
The judges said the award was a significant acknowledgement of the programmes the organisation had implemented over many years, integrating Māori cultural values and tikanga, and improvement in outcomes for Māori in the workplace.
They said implementation of the initiative was embedded at all levels across the organisation, led by a team within the Office of the Kaitohutohu (KTO) at Otago Polytechnic.
The team had been on a journey of developing bicultural competency that had enabled a significant shift in thinking and practice, which was more culturally responsive and inclusive for Māori, the judges said.
It had become part of their everyday practice and the way they did their work, with additional positive benefits for all.
The awards did not stop there.
Polytechnic people, culture and safety deputy chief executive Laura Warren also received the individual HRNZ leadership award, before being awarded the HRNZ human resources person of the year award.
She received the award for showing outstanding leadership in the profession through her implementation of exemplary practice at Otago Polytechnic and for her significant contribution to the profession overall in New Zealand.
"I’m incredibly honoured and overwhelmed by the recognition," she said.
"Obviously, even my individual awards have been won with the help of a lot of fantastic people, including the team at Otago Polytechnic."
The judges said she was known for her "pragmatic, authentic, and engaging approach" and for the positive impact she had on all who met her.
Polytechnic executive director Jason Tibble said Ms Warren contributed locally and nationally to best-practice, people-focused strategies and workplace culture.
"We are extremely proud to be acknowledged with these awards and the hard mahi that they represent."
