Hon Jo Goodhew
Minister for Women’s Affairs
28 August 2014
Media Statement
Minister congratulates Diversity Award winners
Women’s Affairs Minister Jo Goodhew has congratulated the winners of this year’s Diversity Awards.
The winners of the 17th annual ANZ and Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) Trust Diversity Awards were announced in
Auckland last night.
“The Diversity Awards provides an opportunity for businesses across New Zealand to showcase their successful workplace
diversity initiatives,” says Mrs Goodhew.
This year’s Supreme Award winner, Jacobs employs approximately 70,000 employees across a range of technical sectors.
A strong focus by Jacobs on gender diversity in earlier years has developed into a broader focus on inclusion. Through
this mind-set, the business is actively addressing the unconscious bias which can create career limiting barriers.
“I congratulate Jacobs for tackling such a complex issue, and demonstrating practical ways to overcome bias for other
businesses,” says Mrs Goodhew.
“More diversity and gender balance allows organisations to provide opportunities for men and women of all backgrounds
and abilities. It can also lead to more diverse leadership, improved performance and stronger connections with
customers.”
Further details about the awards can be found on the EEO Trust website,www.eeotrust.org.nz.