Foodstuffs South Island & New Zealand Red Cross both take out 2024 Best ICT Team Culture & Inclusion Award
The New Zealand CIO Awards 2024 witnessed a remarkable moment, a testament to the transformative power of culture and inclusion in the ICT sector. In an unprecedented tie, both Foodstuffs South Island and NZ Red Cross were awarded the prestigious “Best ICT Team Culture & Inclusion Award,” a recognition of their outstanding practices in fostering a modern, inclusive, and high-performing team environment.
This award recognises the critical role of culture in navigating the industry’s skills shortages and driving success. Both winners demonstrated that a strong, inclusive culture is a powerful competitive advantage.
Foodstuffs South Island: A transformation in action
Foodstuffs South Island underwent a significant cultural shift, fundamentally changing their IT function. In just 18 months, they moved from a traditional, hierarchical structure to a dynamic, collaborative team.
“We’re thinking differently here in digital services at Foodstuffs South Island,” their submission video highlighted, and their actions spoke volumes. Facing talent shortages, they prioritised internal development, treating all team members, including contractors, as valued employees. This strategy yielded remarkable results, with employee engagement rising significantly and participation reaching an impressive high.
The physical workspace mirrored this change, transitioning from isolated cubicles to an open-plan environment that encouraged open communication and teamwork. Their commitment to diversity was evident in meeting rooms named after the 20 languages spoken by their team. They also created a more inclusive environment for rainbow communities.
This cultural evolution, executed while delivering major projects, demonstrated the power of a unified team with a shared vision.
New Zealand Red Cross: Impact beyond size
In contrast, NZ Red Cross showcased the extraordinary impact a small team can have. Their group of six IT professionals support a vast network of volunteers and employees, ensuring the organisation’s digital infrastructure remains robust.
They transformed a previously rigid tech environment into a responsive and agile team. Despite budget constraints, they focused on cultivating strong supplier relationships and efficient resource allocation.
A key element of their success was their team mascot, who became a relatable figure, fostering connection between the IT department and the wider organisation. Feedback from remote locations highlighted their significant impact.
Their team’s dedication and passion drove them to work from the office, valuing collaboration and camaraderie. Their strong team culture, defined by support, opportunity, and a proactive spirit, proved that team size is not a barrier to achieving significant outcomes.
Inspired by these teams? Enter now for the Best ICT Team Culture & Inclusion Award
The success stories of Foodstuffs South Island and NZ Red Cross serve as a powerful inspiration to the ICT sector. They underscore the importance of:
- Creating a supportive and inclusive workplace.
- Celebrating diversity and valuing individual contributions.
- Investing in employee development and growth.
- Fostering strong relationships and open communication.
- Embracing innovation and challenging traditional approaches.
If your team exemplifies these principles, we encourage you to submit your entry for the 2025 New Zealand CIO Summit’s “Best ICT Team Culture & Inclusion Award.”
Share your story and inspire others to cultivate exceptional team cultures. Your team’s achievements could be celebrated and contribute to the ongoing evolution of the ICT industry. Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your team’s hard work and dedication.