Waitaki District Council shortlisted for HRD Awards NZ
Published on 12 November 2025
Nominations in Employer of Choice and HR Manager of the Year categories
Waitaki District Council has been shortlisted in two categories for the HRD Awards NZ, celebrating excellence in the Human Resources (HR) Profession. Waitaki District Council People and Capability Manager Peter Keegan has been shortlisted for the HR manager of the year and Waitaki District Council as an Employer of Choice.
The HRD Awards New Zealand Employer of Choice award is judged on leadership, engagement, communication, and employee benefits, while the HR Manager award recognises an individual who has demonstrated excellence at the management level over the past 12 months. It is judged on leadership, communication, strategy, drive, and results.
Chief Executive Alex Parmley said he was proud of the achievements of his HR team. “At Waitaki District Council, we aim to be more than just a workplace of choice - we’re building an environment where people thrive, belong, and lead meaningful change. We believe that for people to feel truly connected, they need to feel heard, valued, and informed.”
He said over the past two years, the Council had delivered a bold and deliberate change programme to reshape how it worked, led, and served.
“We value our people, and we want them to know that. Recognition goes beyond pay and is genuine and inclusive. We empower people leaders to acknowledge contribution meaningfully, with a menu of personal, non-monetary rewards. The work is already paying dividends and increasing productivity and job satisfaction.”
The Awards are presented by HRD New Zealand with nominations reviewed by an independent judging panel. Council is up against organisations such as Air NZ, 2degrees, Barker Fruit Processors and Kinetic NZ, while Mr Keegan is competing against HR managers from Engineering NZ, Lightforce Solar, VAPO and 2degrees.
The winners will be announced in Auckland next Wednesday 19 November 2025.
ENDS
media@waitaki.govt.nz
ENDS
media@waitaki.govt.nz