Best Places to Work™ has today announced the finalists for the 2025 Best Places to Work™ Awards, celebrating Kiwi organisations that are redefining workplace impact and culture across Aotearoa New Zealand.

The Awards recognise businesses that go beyond intention - turning innovation, inclusion, wellbeing, and purpose into action. From fast-growing tech companies to large-scale employers and community-focused organisations, this year’s finalists prove that when people are truly at the heart of business, they thrive - and in turn, so does business performance.

Recognising impact across Aotearoa New Zealand

‍Finalists have been named across workplace size and spotlight categories, reflecting the breadth of industries and regions represented. Each entry was assessed through employee engagement survey results - the voice of employees - alongside customer feedback and business performance. Entries were then reviewed by an independent judging panel with expertise spanning business, leadership, and workplace culture.

Julie Gill, CEO of Best Places to Work™, said the calibre of entries this year demonstrates not only diversity, but also remarkable year-on-year improvement and ongoing commitment to building better workplaces.

"This year’s finalists have shown what’s possible when you put people at the heart of business strategy," says Gill. "It’s inspiring to see so many organisations investing in culture, lifting their performance year after year, and being bold in their pursuit of positive impact. A huge thank you to everyone who entered, and to our judging panel. I look forward to celebrating the people, the stories, and the progress at this year’s awards."

Organisational leaders who are empowered to create extraordinary workplaces drive higher performance, profitability and innovation. Employees who feel cared for, inspired, included, and have a sense of progress and agency are vastly more motivated, creative and productive.​

View the full list of 2025 BPTW™ Awards Finalists: bestplacestowork.nz/awards/2025

2025 Best Places To Work™ Awards Gala Dinner - 22 October 2025‍

The 2025 BPTW™ Awards will take place at a gala celebration at the Cordis Auckland, recognising category winners, spotlighting outstanding performance, and naming the overall 2025 Best Place to Work™ Awards winner.

Event Details

Date: Wednesday, 22 October 2025

Location: Cordis Hotel, Auckland

Tickets: $345 + GST
Get Tickets Here

The evening will include networking, a shared dinner, and the chance to connect with leaders and innovators shaping the future of work in New Zealand.

Proudly Supported By

• Foundation Partner: EMA
• Diamond Partners: Cultivating Leadership, FluxB2B, Futureful, Smartly
• Advocate Partners: Business Central, Cordis Auckland, Extraordinary, Humankind, Unstoppable Force, Consult Recruitment, LEAD
• Supporting Partners: Ecosystm, NZ Businesswomen, NZTech
• Community Partners: Unlock Innovation, BNZBA
  

For more about the programme or to explore how your organisation can get involved, visit bestplacestowork.nz.