2025 Employer of the Year

EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR

~ creating healthy workplaces

2025 FINALISTS

CREATIVE HQ

Start Me Up!

At CreativeHQ, they say innovation starts from within. They ’ve built a high-performance, high-trust workplace where bold thinking, wellbeing, and belonging thrive.

Recruitment is radically transparent, with plain-English ads, transparent salary bands, and case-based interviews.

Growth is continuous and personal - supported by individual L&D budgets, dedicated learning time, and a coaching culture.
Initiatives like Friday Flex (a paid Friday off every fortnight) and wellness leave reflect our deep care for people.

Regular engagement surveys, open feedback channels, and team celebrations ensure everyone feels heard and valued.

The result? 89% engagement, just 5.8% turnover, and a team that’s energised, collaborative, and proud to belong. “We’re building capability, community, and confidence from the inside out” says Bex Grace, People & Practice Lead (pictured right with CE Catherine Jones.

LEARN MORE

www.creativehq.co.nz
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JARVIS PLUMBING + GASWORKS

The Drain Brains

At Jarvis Plumbing + Gasworks, a positive, respectful team culture is the cornerstone of success.
We co-created our core values, ensuring everyone’s voice shapes the workplace.
“We want our team to feel good about Monday mornings, so we invest in culture, flexibility, and building person specific packages,” says Director Rhiannon Jarvis (pictured co-founder Dan Jarvis).
As a Living Wage Employer, Jarvis offers above-industry pay, quality uniforms, quality vehicles and investment in further study and health & safety.
Team bonding happens on paid workdays, every leave request is accommodated, and scheduling aligns tasks with each person’s strengths.
The company’s investment in team building, high-quality gear, and commitment to wellbeing, including annual health checks and insurance benefits, ensure staff stay happy, healthy, and loyal.

LEARN MORE:

www.jarvisplumbing.co.nz
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JH WHITTAKER & SONS

Cocoa Clan Care

Whittaker’s blends high performance with genuine care, making employee wellbeing central to its culture.
Recruitment focuses on values alignment and diversity, while retention is driven by peer recognition, internal promotions, and comprehensive training.
“Best is always better - for our chocolate and our people,” says Holly Whittaker (pictured) with Matt Whittaker Co-Chief Operating Officers.
Staff benefit from the Whittachiever’s programme, Skills for Life training, and a bespoke Leadership Development Programme.
Wellbeing is prioritised through subsidised gym memberships, EAP services, and a proactive health and safety culture.
Open-door policies, regular feedback, and a family-driven atmosphere foster trust and long-term loyalty, reflected in multi-generational staff and zero Lost Time Injuries since May 2024.

LEARN MORE:

www.whittakers.co.nz
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LinkedIn

MANA COMMUNICATIONS

Making Media Magic

Mana Communications is a three-in-one agency based in Wellington, blending brand strategy, digital marketing and public relations under one roof.
Its team of eight is tight-knit by design and big on impact. A people-first approach built on trust, flexibility and development creates a workplace where wellbeing and growth go hand in hand.
“The best investment a business can make is in its people. Growth, culture and results all stem from that,” says Managing Director Caleb Hulme-Moir (pictured).
Staff enjoy a fully paid 9-day fortnight, regular team activities, dog-friendly offices and flexibility around where and how they work.
Progression plans, mentoring and upskilling are all actively supported — alongside a commitment to pro bono work, with 10% of hours dedicated to doing good.

LEARN MORE:
www.manacommunications.com
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PRESTON CORP

Prime People Power

Preston Corp’s fifth-generation family values shine through in their people-first approach, creating a workplace where loyalty, respect, and personal growth are paramount across its brands: Preston Foods and Master Butchers, KAM Transport and Ken Wilson Meats.
With 38% of staff serving over five years, Preston’s structured onboarding, buddy system, and tailored plans ensure everyone feels welcomed and supported.
“We see our people as an extension of our family, investing in their growth and celebrating achievements,” says CEO Hamish Preston (pictured).
Employees enjoy leadership development, internal promotions, and a suite of benefits: flexibility, family-friendly policies, generous discounts, and an extended Employee Assistance Programme.
Celebrations of milestones foster a sense of belonging, while ongoing training keeps staff motivated and turnover impressively low.

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