Tax Traders and Taxi take top prize at 2024 Best Places to Work Awards

In a glitzy ceremony held this week at Auckland’s Cordis Hotel, the 2024 Best Places to Work Awards celebrated Kiwi organisations that are redefining workplace excellence.

From innovative practices to inspiring leadership, this year's winners have set new standards for creating environments where employees feel valued, inspired, and engaged.

The competition was fierce, with companies across all sectors and sizes as finalists. But it was fintech companies Tax Traders and Taxi which clinched the Overall Winner award, also taking home the top spot in the Small (21-49 employees) category. 

While there could only be one overall winner, Best Places to Work CEO Julie Gill says all the businesses who participated deserve recognition. 

"These companies are the foundation of the Best Places to Work continuous improvement program," she said. 

"Their efforts in building better workplaces are truly inspiring. Congratulations to all finalists and, of course, to the winners. You have set the gold standard for workplace culture in New Zealand, showing what can be accomplished when organisations prioritise their people's wellbeing.”

Companies were assessed across eight pillars: trust in leadership, connection, environment, innovation, wellbeing, connection with team, performance and growth, and tools and tech.

Other winners included crime prevention platform Auror, taking home the win for Medium to Large (150-399 employees) category and House of Travel winning in the Large (400+ employees) category. Check out Caffeine’s profile of Auror we published last week here.

Gill also acknowledged the vital role of sponsors and partners in bringing the Best Places to Work awards to life. 

"The support of these incredible sponsors and partners makes it possible to spotlight the companies leading the way in workplace excellence," she noted. 

"Together, we showcase to the world the exceptional talent and innovation within Kiwi businesses."

John Fraser-Mackenzie, CEO of the Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA), echoed Gill's sentiments, saying New Zealand is brimming with innovative organisations that are doing remarkable things with their people.  

"These awards shine a spotlight on those trailblazing companies, acknowledging their success and offering valuable insights for others to learn from," he said.

“That’s why the EMA is so proud to be the Foundation Partner of the Best Places to Work awards.  We are committed to supporting our members in engaging with this programme and elevating their employee experiences.  The Best Places to Work initiative is a testament to how businesses can support and uplift one another, driving meaningful change across our work environments to improve productivity nationwide.”

The event underscored a growing trend among Kiwi businesses to invest in their people, recognizing that employee satisfaction and wellbeing are directly linked to organizational success. 

As the post-COVID era reshapes the workforce landscape, these companies exemplify how prioritizing meaningful work and employee wellbeing can drive innovation and economic growth.

For more information about Best Places to Work, including upcoming events, the series of masterclasses, the 2025 survey, and opportunities to share your insights and experiences, visit https://www.bestplacestowork.nz.

Caffeine is a media partner for the programme, covering best practices in New Zealand startups, from pay transparency to diversity, equity and inclusion. Find our content here.

Full List of Winners:

• Overall Winner: Tax Traders and Taxi

Category Winners:

• Large Category (400+ employees): House of Travel
• Medium to Large (150-399 employees) - Sponsored by HainesAttract: Auror
• Small to Medium (50-149 employees) - Sponsored by Futureful: RUSH
• Small (21-49 employees) - Sponsored by Smartly: Tax Traders and Taxi
• Micro (under 20 employees): Aluro Healthcare NZ

Spotlight Category Winners:

• Wellness: LawVu
• Tools and Tech: H&H Group (Swisse Wellness)
• Community and Regional Impact: Productive People
• Diversity and Inclusion: Te Toi Mahana Community Housing