Editor’s letter : Increasingly Diverse

Diversity is becoming increasingly common (if something diverse can be common and still make sense) in New Zealand. The world is getting smaller, we need more people to fill employment gaps and new global markets are opening – all of which means the make-up of the New Zealand workforce is changing and must continue to change if the country is to grow and prosper.
This requires not only legislative and procedural changes, but shift in mindset. This month’s cover story – “Championing Diversity: Minds Wide Open” – looks at companies which have successfully made this transition and been rewarded at the EEO Trust Work & Life Awards. As Vicki Jayne writes, managing diversity, as the companies entering this year’s awards illustrate, is very much about listening to people with an open mind, valuing their input, then finding ways to incorporate it in practices that validate their contributions and celebrate difference. It’s an approach that helps to create happier, more productive and more innovative workforce. Pretty hard to argue with that.
We also report on the recent India New Zealand Business Forum held in Auckland and show how some local companies have successfully entered that market. Setting up and sustaining business on the Indian subcontinent will be fraught with its own unique challenges – like intelligent elephants (see page 38 to understand why) – but the opportunities and capabilities of the Indian market have become too strong to ignore, and more and more Western eyes are turning in that direction.
Closer to home, it’s time for the final plug for this year’s Top 200 Awards. To be held at Auckland’s SkyCity Convention Centre on 4 December (bookings essential, this event sells out!), the evening will celebrate 19 years of great leadership and champion performances. I’ve seen the RSVPs to date, and it’s jam-packed who’s who of New Zealand business. Don’t miss out. Go to www.management.co.nz/top200 to secure your seats.

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Xero appoints new Chief People Officer

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