4 December 2015
CQ Hotels Wellington wins Best Employer at the 2015 ACC Attitude Awards
CQ Hotels Wellington has claimed top honours by winning the 2015 Attitude Awards in a spectacular black tie gala event
at Auckland Viaduct Events Centre last night.
The Attitude Awards, held on World Disability Day, were set up in 2008 and are unique in that they are only national
awards that celebrate achievement in the disability sector across all disabilities. They also pay tribute to the
employers who work alongside people with disabilities to ensure they are able to contribute their skills to society and
live full and satisfying lives.
There are eight categories in the 2015 Attitude Awards: Courage in Sport, Spirit of Attitude, Making a Difference,
Artistic Achievement, Youth, Junior, the Attitude ACC Employer Award and Sport Performer of the Year. The overall winner
of the Attitude ACC Supreme Award is selected from the category winners and a People’s Choice winner and Hall of Fame
inductee are also announced on the night.
CQ Hotels Wellington was up against ANZ and Genera Ltd in the ACC Employer category.
Reflecting on the win, CQ Hotels Wellington General Manager Olivia Lacoua commented;
“We are incredibly humbled by this achievement. I want to acknowledge the other employers who have also worked so hard
to be inclusive. We all have a role to play in ensuring we live in an inclusive society. I only hope that other
employers can learn from and be inspired by what we have seen tonight.”
“Our commitment to working and supporting diverse groups within the community continues as we strive to be inclusive and
engaging with all people within our society. There is also a sense of pride in our staff and their workplace for giving
back to the community.”
CQ Hotels commitment to equal employment opportunities is evidenced through the hotel being so proactive, liaising with
Workbridge and other organisations to employ Deaf staff and give them an opportunity to work in the hotel. The hotel has
permanently employed two Deaf staff to work in the CQ Restaurant and there are plans for more opportunities to be made
available in the near future.
In 2013, CQ Hotels became the first hotel in the country to introduce New Zealand Sign Language training for staff. The
NZSL course ultimately gives staff confidence and abilities to communicate effectively with their Deaf customers.
ends