Introduction

Tonight, we celebrate something extraordinary; the people and organisations leading the way in building better workplaces across Aotearoa New Zealand.

The Best Places to Work™ Awards are more than a moment of recognition. They represent a movement, driven by courage, care, and a desire to lift the standard of workplace experience for everyone. 

Every organisation represented here tonight has made the choice to create cultures where people can bring their whole selves, grow, and do the best work of their lives. You’ve shown that wellbeing, innovation, and high performance go hand in hand, and that when you invest in people, you lift everything: engagement, results, and the wellbeing of the communities around you.  

The spirit of connection and shared learning is at the heart of Best Places to Work™. Tonight is about celebrating what’s working and inspiring one another to go further. Because when we raise the standard together, everyone rises. 

Thank you for being part of this community, and for your commitment to shaping the future of work in Aotearoa New Zealand.

And to our partners and sponsors - your support makes this commitment possible. Thank you for believing in the power of people-first workplaces.

Julie Gill‍
Co-founder & CEO,
Best Places to Work

Organisation Categories

Congratulations to all the companies that made our shortlist, the finalists and of course our winners in the 2025 Best Places to Work™ program.

Your innovative leadership and vision are evident in the way you nurture and grow your employees, delight your customers, care for your communities and the environment, and collectively contribute to the sustainable success of New Zealand’s workforce. This deserves to be recognised!

Micro Workplace

5-20 Employees
Presented by

The Micro Workplace finalists prove that small businesses can have an outsized impact on their people, customers, and communities. When your team is under 20 people, every voice matters and culture runs deep. The judges were heartened to see purpose-led teams where wellbeing, trust, and genuine care shape everyday work. These organisations show that even the smallest teams can achieve extraordinary results when they put people at the centre.

Small Workplace

21-49 Employees
Presented by

The Small Workplace finalists prove there’s no size barrier to heart, impact, or ambition. Judges were inspired by values-led leaders who truly know their people and have developed cultures that put wellbeing and growth first, and teams driving bold innovation with purpose and care. These organisations punch well above their weight - blending agility with authenticity to make a real difference for their people, clients, and communities.

Small - Medium Workplace

50-99 Employees
Presented by

The Small - Medium Workplace finalists show that scaling a business doesn’t mean sacrificing connection - if anything, it can deepen it. Judges saw leaders aligning people, purpose, and performance; teams that care deeply for each other’s wellbeing; and innovation that genuinely improves lives. These finalists prove that when growth is guided by values, culture becomes the heartbeat of lasting success.

Medium Workplace

100-149 Employees
Presented by

Culture is both a foundation and a catalyst - and the Medium Workplace finalists show how powerful that can be. Even in fast-growing, complex industries, they’ve stayed grounded in what matters most: people. Judges praised values-led leadership, empowered voices, and wellbeing at the heart of everyday work. These organisations prove that when culture is built with intention and care, people flourish - and success naturally follows.

Medium - Large Workplace

150-199 Employees
Presented by

This year’s Medium - Large Workplace finalists show how purpose, structure, and innovation come together to create thriving, people-powered organisations. Judges were moved by values-led leadership, genuine care for wellbeing, and innovation driven from within. With clear pathways for growth and real commitments to sustainability, these organisations prove that as businesses expand, culture doesn’t fade - it strengthens, becoming a source of pride, resilience, and momentum.

Large Workplace

200+ Employees
Presented by

The Large Workplace finalists have leaders who champion purpose and inclusion, tying values and performance together in ways that truly matter. They support wellbeing and growth at every level, using their scale to spark innovation and drive sustainability that reaches far beyond the workplace. These organisations prove that when purpose leads, impact follows for their people, customers, and communities.

Spotlight Categories

The Spotlight Awards recognise organisations that have demonstrated outstanding effort in initiatives that create an amazing workplace environment.

Community & Regional Impact

Spotlight
Presented by

Through initiatives and partnerships with local and regional groups, our Community & Regional Impact finalists are strengthening the communities they call home. Judges were inspired by their generosity of time, care, and commitment - shown through volunteering, sponsorship, and mentoring. These organisations remind us that the best workplaces don’t just grow businesses; they grow communities.

Human-Centred Impact

Spotlight
Presented by

The Human-Centred Impact Spotlight finalists remind us what the best workplaces are really about – people. Judges were inspired by genuine inclusion, real flexibility, and leadership that listens and cares. These organisations go beyond policy to create belonging, purpose, and connection - proving that when people feel valued, free to be themselves and have the space to be fearless in the workplace their impact reaches far beyond the workplace.

Innovation & Tech

Spotlight
Presented by

The Innovation & Tech Spotlight finalists show what happens when creativity and courage come together. Judges saw teams where curiosity fuels progress, ideas flow freely, and people are empowered to experiment and learn every day. These organisations remind us that innovation isn’t just about technology - it’s about people with the imagination and heart to rethink what’s possible. 

Sustainability

Spotlight
Presented by

The Sustainability Spotlight finalists prove that responsibility goes far beyond compliance - it’s about weaving care for people, place, and the planet into everything you do. Judges were impressed by clear commitments and genuine transparency. These finalist organisations show that when sustainability is lived, not just promised, it builds trust, sparks innovation, and creates a better future for everyone.

Wellness

Spotlight
Presented by

The Wellness Spotlight finalists show what it truly means to put people first. Wellbeing isn’t an initiative - it’s a way of working, championed by leaders and lived every day. Through meaningful benefits, flexibility, and creative, inclusive programmes, they prove that when care is genuine and consistent, people flourish - and so do their workplaces.

Overall Winner

Presented by
EMA logo in black
The Overall Winner category honours one organisation, regardless of size, that stands out for its exceptional workplace culture, delivery of strong customer outcomes, and sustainable business performance. This company demonstrates an outstanding commitment to employee wellbeing, innovation, leadership, and continuous improvement. They set the benchmark for excellence, serving as an inspiring example for workplaces across New Zealand.

Learn from the best with our Masterclasses

Whether you’re an employer or employee, 
a start-up or large-scale business, an employee experience expert or just starting out — the masterclasses are designed to help you thrive. Drive meaningful change regardless of business size of where you are in your employee experience journey.

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