IDC and Conferenz tonight announced this year’s finalists in the CIO Awards which recognise individuals and teams who
have shown leadership, innovation and foresight in their contribution to the digital transformation of both ICT and
business functions. The finalists were announced at the first ever fully virtual New Zealand CIO Summit.
Finalists were selected based on the judging review of their written submissions. Judging focuses on the intersection of
business and technology for both individuals and teams that have significantly contributed to driving outstanding
digital transformation initiatives for the companies they work for.
All finalists will now go forward to be interviewed by the independent judging panel representing the top echelon of New Zealand’s ICT and business community, from former award winners to leading
executives and educators. They include experienced entrepreneur and company director, John Holt; Chair of Rangitane
Tamaki Nui a Rua, Mavis Mullens and CDO at NZTE, Richard Kay.
The winners will be announced at the CIO Awards Night on 24 November at the Civic Theatre, Auckland. The Awards are
supported by ServiceNow, ClearPoint, RWA Technology People, Juniper, Sharp, CompTIA, Younity and 2Degrees.
IDC New Zealand Country Manager, and judge, Louise Francis extended her personal congratulations to all finalists saying
they represent the cream of the crop among digital leadership in New Zealand business. “The 2020 CIO Award finalists
have not only demonstrated excellence in creating and delivering business transformation through innovation, leadership
and cultural excellence. In such challenging times it is inspiring to hear about these exceptional achievements taking
within New Zealand businesses. This year's nominees are testament to the success of organisations commitment to digital
transformation, which prepared them to respond faster to the impact of COVID-19, turning disruption into a catalyst for
change. New Zealand can be very proud of the outstanding talent on display and we congratulate each finalist and look
forward to celebrating the achievements amongst the industry on 24th of November.”The 2020 finalists, in six categories, are:
‘CIO of the Year’, for demonstrating innovation and success in the past 12 months that reinforces the transformational role of the CIO in
supporting their company's overall business strategy.
Sponsor: CompTIA
Finalists:Sally Copland, General Manager Digital, CountdownMark Denvir, Director ICT, Auckland CouncilIain Gauld, CIO, ContactMandy Simpson, Chief Digital Officer, Z EnergyStella Ward, Chief Digital Officer, Canterbury District Health Board and West Coast District Heath Board
‘Emerging ICT Leader’ recognises and encourages exceptional ICT talent by professionals under 33 years of age.
Sponsor: 2degrees
Finalists:Mo Chalabi, Digital Consultant, BecaMargaret Harris, Chief Information Officer, ContainerCoChris Marsh, Group Infrastructure Manager, Freightways
‘Community Tech Champions’ showcases outstanding initiatives with the goal of educating, exposing and engaging New Zealanders that have been
previously underrepresented in the ICT sector.
Sponsor: Juniper
Finalists:Manaaki powered by IndigoPam Fergusson TrustTe Reo Irirangi o Te Hiku o Te Ika
‘Best ICT Team Culture’ recognises outstanding team culture within an organisation’s ICT team where fostering team culture, retaining and
nurturing a diverse IT staff has created a competitive advantage for the entire organisation.
Sponsor: RWA Technology People
Finalists:Counties Manukau HealthFidelity LifeOtago PolytechnicStats NZ Tatauranga AotearoaVocus
‘Business Transformation through Digital and ICT’ honours the achievements of organisations that have successfully planned and executed a Business Transformation
initiative or initiatives through the use of digital and disruptive technologies. By using technology to innovate and
transform their business they have produced a range of benefits for the organisation.
Sponsor: Clearpoint
Finalists:CountdownNew Zealand Inland RevenuePlaceMakers
NEW CATEGORY FOR 2020
Sustainability through Technology honours the achievements of organisations that have successfully planned and executed
a sustainability initiative(s) through the use of technology. Using technology and innovation to drive a sustainable
initiative within an organisation that has produced a range of benefits for the organisation and/ or communities. The
initiative or project could address any/or all of the three pillars of sustainability: economic, environmental, and
social (profits, planet and people).
SPONSOR: Younity
FINALISTSGenesis EnergySouthern Cross Health SocietyTonkin & TaylorZ Energy
The recipient of the ‘Outstanding Contribution to ICT in New Zealand’ award, sponsored by Sharp, will also be named at the Awards night.
This award is given to a high profile business person from a public or private company whose contribution has
significantly and uniquely impacted the greater New Zealand or global business community in an information technology
sense over the course of his or her career.
The CIO Summit is New Zealand’s premier professional development forum for senior ICT executives. See the full programme http://www.ciosummit.co.nz/cio-summit. More about the judges can be found at https://ciosummit.co.nz/awards/judges.