Can you believe the 2021 New Zealand CIO Awards finalists were announced last August?
Finally, after months of disruptions due to the pandemic, the winners will finally be announced on 14th March in an online event at the end of Day 1 of the NZ CIO Summit.
Younity continue to proudly support this event, sponsoring the ‘Sustainability through Technology’ Award category. Here’s a recap on all the finalists!
Sustainability through Technology
The Sustainability through Technology Award, sponsored by Younity, honours the achievements of organisations that have successfully planned and executed sustainability initiatives using technology that has produced benefits to the organisation or to communities. The 2021 finalists are:
- FutureFit
- Recycle A Device
- Westpac
FutureFit 
Recycle A Device 
Westpac
The other finalists for the 2021 New Zealand CIO Awards are:
Emerging ICT Leader of the Year
The Emerging ICT Leader award recognises, celebrates and encourages the exceptional ICT Talent of professionals under the age of 33. The 2021 finalists are:
- Avinash de Silva – Technology & Platforms Manager, Fresh Direct Ltd (NZ)
- Bob Kombora, IT Operations Manager, Vulcan
- Taryn Olsen, Product Owner – Fulfilment, Countdown
- Alex Stewart, Founder & CEO, WombatNET Limited
Business Transformation through Digital & IT
This award honours the achievements of organisations that have successfully planned and executed a Business Transformation initiative or initiatives using digital or disruptive technologies. The 2021 finalists are:
- Auckland Airport
- Auckland Council
- Contact Energy
- Earthquake Commission
- Tu Ora Compass Health
Community Tech Champions
The Community Tech Champions Award honours and showcases outstanding initiatives by private enterprise, public sector or academic institutions that address diversity issues, engaging youth or lifelong learners. The 2021 finalists are:
- Greater Christchurch Schools Network
- IT Professionals NZ Schools Outreach Programmes
- RoboPa – Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi
- She Sharp
- Te Awa Kairangi Access Trust
Best ICT Team Culture
This award recognises outstanding team culture within an organisation’s ICT team. With the industry challenged by skills shortages, fostering an excellent team culture and retaining and nurturing a diverse IT staff can create a competitive advantage for the entire organisation. The 2021 finalists are:
- Greater Wellington Regional Council
- healthAlliance
- Vocus
New Zealand CIO of the Year
The winner of the New Zealand CIO of the Year will demonstrate how they have positioned the role of CIO strategically within the company and will be able to demonstrate innovation and successes achieved over the past 12 months and into the future. The 2021 finalists are:
- Phil Coster – Chief Information Officer, Mitre 10
- Andrew Haddad– Chief Information Officer, Vodafone New Zealand
- Robert Lockerd – Chief Information Officer, New Zealand Parliament
We also look forward to finding out who will be this years recipient of the Outstanding Contribution to Technology and Business in New Zealand award, due to be revealed on the night!
Congratulations to all of the finalists! See you on the night as we celebrate outstanding achievements in the New Zealand technology and digital community.
Avinash de Silva 
Bob Kombora 
Taryn Olsen 
Auckland Airport 
Auckland Council 
Contact Energy 
Phil Coster 
Andrew Haddad 
Robert Lockerd 
Earthquake Commission 
Greater Christchurch Schools Network 
IT Professionals NZ Schools Outreach 
Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi 
She Sharp 
Te Awa Kairangi Access Trust 
Vocus 
healthAlliance 
Greater Wellington Regional Council
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