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.
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Co-founder & CEO,
Best Places to Work
Organisation Categories
Congratulations to every organisation that took part in the 2026 Best Places to Work™ Awards, and to the shortlisted organisations and finalists being celebrated tonight.
This recognition starts with employee voice. Thousands of people shared how they experience work through the confidential BPTW™ Employee Experience Survey, and our independent judges then looked behind those results at the practices, decisions and everyday experiences shaping them.
Micro Workplace
5-20 Employees
When a team is 20 people or fewer, every person shapes the culture. The Micro Workplace finalists show how small teams build trust, clarity and care into the way they work every day.
Small Workplace
21-49 Employees
Once a team grows past 20 people, the habits that used to happen naturally need more intention. The Small Workplace finalists show how leaders stay close to their people while giving them room to grow.
Small - Medium Workplace
50-99 Employees
Growth brings new structure, new leaders and new ways of working. The Small - Medium Workplace finalists show how organisations keep connection and clarity strong as they scale.
Medium Workplace
100-149 Employees
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At this size, consistency matters. The Medium Workplace finalists show how clear communication and steady leadership help people feel confident about where the organisation is heading and how they contribute.
Large Workplace
150-249 Employees
With more teams and more layers, workplace experience depends on leaders at every level. The Large Workplace finalists show how purpose and everyday practice reach people right across the organisation.
Extra Large Workplace
250+ Employees
Across hundreds of people, exceptional workplace experience is built in the everyday moments. The Extra Large Workplace finalists show how organisations listen at scale and turn what they hear into action.
Spotlight Categories
Innovation
Spotlight
The Innovation Spotlight recognises organisations empowering their people to contribute ideas, improve the way work is done and create meaningful value through innovation.
Community & Regional Impact
Spotlight
The Community & Regional Impact Spotlight recognises organisations contributing to stronger communities through employee involvement, partnerships, social initiatives and regional leadership.
Wellbeing
Spotlight
The Wellbeing Spotlight recognises organisations embedding wellbeing into the way work is designed, led and experienced, so people feel supported, balanced and able to perform at their best.
Purpose in Action
Spotlight
The Purpose in Action Spotlight recognises organisations embedding purpose into strategy, decision-making and everyday actions, creating positive outcomes for employees, customers, communities and the organisation itself.
Sustainability
Spotlight
The Sustainability Spotlight recognises organisations integrating environmental responsibility, social impact and ethical practice into the way they operate and create long-term value.
Technology & AI Readiness
Spotlight
The Technology & AI Readiness Spotlight recognises organisations using technology and AI to improve employee experience, enable better ways of working and build future-ready capability.
Overall Winner
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 or where you are in your employee experience journey.
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