The Diversity and Inclusion Award recognises consultants who demonstrate outstanding leadership in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within their workplaces, communities, and the wider consulting sector. This award celebrates individuals who actively advocate for inclusive practice, inspire others to create positive change, and contribute to fairer, more inclusive outcomes for people and communities across Aotearoa.
With the award winners to be announced at the ACE Awards Gala on 5 November, we asked Sarah Lang, Chair of The Diversity Agenda Steering Committee, why the movement chose to support the Diversity and Inclusion Award.
What motivated The Diversity Agenda to support the ACE Awards, and why is it important for you to be involved?
“The Diversity Agenda is an industry-led movement for change, bringing organisations together to build a sector where all talent can thrive. Supporting the ACE Awards, and particularly the Diversity and Inclusion Award, is an opportunity to recognise the people whose leadership is creating more inclusive workplaces, stronger organisations, and better outcomes for the communities we serve.”
Why do you think the ACE Awards are important for New Zealand’s consulting and engineering industry?
“The ACE Awards celebrate the people, projects and organisations helping shape Aotearoa’s future. They showcase excellence, innovation and leadership, while creating opportunities to learn from those who are challenging themselves and others to do better.”
What impact do you hope the ACE Awards have on the people, projects and organisations that are helping shape Aotearoa New Zealand’s future?
“I hope the awards inspire people to think about the impact they can have, not only through the projects they deliver, but through how they lead, collaborate and create opportunities for others. When we recognise that leadership, we encourage more of it across our sector.”
Diversity and Inclusion Award finalists
This year, the judges saw inspiring examples of business leaders who are stepping over and above their technical day roles to help create workplaces where people feel valued, supported and able to thrive. Across the submissions, they saw courage, empathy and a commitment to challenging barriers that can prevent people from fully participating in our profession.
Finalists for the 2026 Diversity and Inclusion Award are:
- Graham Moralee, Stantec New Zealand
- Jenny Harrison, WSP
2026 ACE Awards Gala tickets
A ticket to the ACE Awards Gala is included in any full registration for the Futurespace conference.
Individual tickets are $295 plus GST and tables of ten are $2,950 plus GST.
To get tickets, visit the Futurespace registration page and select ‘ACE Awards Gala’.