The 2026 Diversity and Inclusion Award is now open and we want to hear about the amazing mahi consultants are doing within their organisations and communities.
We spoke with 2025 Diversity and Inclusion Award winner Aimee Matiu (Pou tokomanawa | Māori Advisory at Pattle Delamore Partners) about why it’s worth putting yourself forward for the award.
Tuatahi, nui te mihi maioha ki a ACE rāua ko Stantec mā te tohu hirahira nei.
What did winning the 2025 Diversity and Inclusion Award mean to you?
Much of the work I do focuses on creating spaces where others can thrive, so I don’t often stop to reflect on its impact.
As a wāhine Māori working in sectors that have not always been designed with tangata whenua in mind, it felt significant to see this type of work acknowledged. Many wāhine Māori are leading transformation across our industries (as they do in our marae, hapū and iwi spaces) while carrying considerable emotional labour, navigating different worlds, advocating for meaningful change, supporting others and often doing so quietly. The award reminded me that this work matters.
Why would you encourage people to enter this award?
I would encourage people to enter because the process creates an opportunity to reflect on the difference they are making. Many people working in roles like mine focus on supporting others and driving transformation rather than seeking recognition for themselves. The award also highlights mahi that sometimes goes unseen. Sharing these stories helps others see what is possible. As Māori, and particularly as wāhine Māori, we can sometimes feel like we don’t quite fit within existing systems or expectations. However, not fitting in is my superpower and enables me to help others see that it can be a tino taonga.
Representation matters. Seeing people who look like you, sound like you, laugh loudly like you and share similar experiences can give others the confidence to back themselves. If sharing my story helps even one person realise that they don’t need to change who they are to make a difference, then it is worth it.
Has the award led to any opportunities for you? How have you used your prize?
The award has opened doors to working alongside some incredible people, including industry leaders committed to creating meaningful change. It also led to the opportunity to join the Māori Steering Group within The Diversity Agenda. It has been incredibly rewarding to learn from and work alongside industry tōtara Ang Young and John Blyth, as well as the amazing Craig Watson. I have the opportunity to learn from leaders I deeply respect while helping push forward a kaupapa that sits very close to my heart; creating an industry where kaimahi Māori don’t have to leave parts of themselves at the door and where He Whakaputanga me Te Tiriti become a framework of working rather than something we merely acknowledge.
One of the most valuable outcomes has been the opportunity to grow in confidence. Through these relationships I have had the time and space to unpack both the challenges of being a wahine Māori in these sectors and the opportunities that exist to transform them for future generations. It has strengthened my support network, connected me with incredible people, and allowed me to contribute to meaningful mahi that aligns with my values.
I have also used part of the award funding to continue my te reo Māori journey. Many of us working in these spaces are often expected to be confident reo speakers, translators, and teachers for others. While it is a privilege to contribute in those ways, developing and maintaining te reo requires significant ongoing commitment outside of our day-to-day roles. The award has enabled me to spend time in the evenings participating in online reo sessions where I can simply kōrero te reo Māori with others who are also learning and growing. What I appreciate most is having a space where I can enjoy the reo for myself, without needing to teach, translate, or worry about getting things wrong. That has been incredibly valuable and has reminded me that strengthening te reo is not only about capability, but also about fun, joy and maintaining my well-being.
I am not someone who naturally seeks recognition and I much prefer to quietly do the mahi. However, I am grateful that I stepped outside my comfort zone to enter the award. It has created opportunities for growth, whanaungatanga and learning that I never expected, and has ultimately given me the kaha to keep contributing to the kaupapa.
How to apply for the 2026 ACE Awards
Applications for this year’s ACE Awards close on 22 June and will be presented at the ACE Awards Gala on 5 November in Auckland.
Find out more:
- Diversity and Inclusion Award in association with The Diversity Agenda
- Emerging Leader Award sponsored by Tonkin + Taylor
- Futurespace Award sponsored by AECOM