Hall of Fame - Leadership Award
Some HR leaders don't just navigate change, they drive it
The Leadership Award recognises an individual who has demonstrated outstanding leadership for the HR profession; whether by championing exemplary practice within their own organisation, or by making a lasting contribution to HR in New Zealand at large. These are leaders who don't shy away from the hard conversations, they bring the courage to tackle difficult workplace challenges and the empathy to do so in a way that brings people with them.
Past recipients have shown what it truly means to lead in HR: not from behind a policy document, but from the front, with conviction and care. Their influence extends beyond their own organisations, helping to shape a stronger, more progressive profession for everyone.
We're proud to honour the leaders who have set the bar high and earned this recognition.
Know a leader making a positive impact in the world of HR? If you or a colleague has demonstrated genuine leadership in HR, we'd love to hear about it. Find out more about the upcoming awards and how to apply.
Leadership Award winners
Dr Deepika Jindal CMHRNZ, University of Auckland
Leadership Award 2025, in association with Inspire Group
At the University, Deepika is transforming the learning experience for HRM students as Subject Group Lead and directing the Master of Business Management programme. As President of HRNZ’s Academic Branch and a core committee member of Auckland Branch, she is championing best practices and fostering collaborations. She forged a pivotal HRNZ-Business School Memorandum of Understanding, elevating both institutions' profiles.
Deepika’s leadership is fostering strong industry collaborations within the Business School. Her unwavering dedication has earned her multiple accolades, including the University’s and Business School’s Excellence awards and HRNZ’s Academic Impact Award. Deepika’s commitment to nurturing future HR leaders is setting a new benchmark for excellence.
Mark Lewis, Connetics
Leadership Award 2024, in association with Inspire Group
Mark Lewis became the Head of People and Culture at Connetics in May 2022, spearheading strategic HR initiatives amidst considerable challenges. His leadership facilitated winning the war for talent, increasing opportunities for women in the sector while also decreasing turnover, and increasing employee engagement. Mark's data-driven approach helped identify valuable opportunities for the business, ultimately determining its growth strategy for the next decade.
Laura Warren, Otago Polytechnic (Te Pūkenga, NZ Institute of Skillsand Technology)
Leadership Award 2023, in association with MAS
Laura is a leader in the HR profession in Aotearoa. As Deputy Chief Executive: People, Culture & Safety at Otago Polytechnic (a business division of Te Pūkenga), she contributes locally and nationally to best-practice, people-focussed strategies and workplace culture. Laura is known for her pragmatic, authentic, and engaging approach and for the positive impact she has on all who meet her. She is energetic, enthusiastic and a great supporter of all HR professionals. She contributes to HRNZ both through her role as Branch President of the Otago Branch, but also by driving local membership and promoting our national strategies.
Melissa Crawford, Vector
Leadership Award 2022
Leadership Award winner Melissa Crawford (Vector) has held senior leadership roles over the past 18 years at leading organisations across Aotearoa, including Air New Zealand, BNZ, Fonterra, The Warehouse Group, Countdown, AUT, ASB and Vector. Melissa has had remarkable success leading the development of Vector’s highly effective Employee Experience Agile workstream, whilst providing leadership on strategies to prepare the workforce for the future of work by optimising future tech and human potential. A strong advocate for human-centred design and people development, Melissa is a staunch promotor of kindness, caring and fun in the workplace.
Amy Clarke, Statistics NZ
Leadership Award 2021, in association with Sorted at Work
It was a big night for Amy Clarke from Statistics New Zealand who was a finalist in the HR Generalist Award, won the HR Leadership Award and the prestigious HR Person of the Year Award (which is selected from the individual awards winners). The judges were impressed that Amy actively leads a generalist HR team whilst simultaneously operating as the organisation’s subject matter expert in diversity and inclusion, for which it is clear Amy has a major passion.
Debbie Kirby, Downer New Zealand
Leadership Award 2020, in association with AskYourTeam
Debbie Kirby has improved the outcomes for many Downer people and their whanau through employment and developmentprogrammes. She is the acknowledged leader in NZ for Corporate Social Outcome programmes, contributing both to her ownorganisation and wider NZ. Through constant innovation and working collaborative with various Partners over 8 years she hastackled the tough social issues such as drug usage and the growing numbers of NEETs. Debbie freely shares her experience andexpertise genuinely committed to making a difference. Debbie is considered one of the most significant contributors within Downer,having built a capability in the organisation that is now a key differentiator.
Katrina Van de Ven, Wintec
HR Manager Award 2019, in association with Talegent
I am highly motivated in delivering business outcomes on organisational strategic goals. I support organisations togrow capabilities through learning and development and HR initiatives. My diverse work experience in leadership,HR, process knowledge, operations, culture and change management provides me with a talented tool kit to achieveoutstanding results. I strive for the best, working with integrity and valuing others."Katrina holds her CMHRINZ and is passionate about influencing change for the benefit of the staff and studentexperience.
Sarah Mason, Fulton Hogan
Wellbeing Leadership Award 2023, in association with Skills Consulting Group
Sarah Mason is Fulton Hogan New Zealand’s Wellbeing Manager. She leads the implementation, evaluation and development of Fulton Hogan’s wellbeing programme nationwide. She is passionate about putting people at the heart of the business and developing holistic support programmes to help individuals thrive. Originally from the UK, Sarah has lead programmes in a varietY of organisations including through the Covid-19 pandemic in the NHS. She is always looking for new ideas and approaches to support people. Sarah loves to work with other passionate wellbeing leads and looks forward to helping grow the profession as a career path for the next generation.