MC Wendy Petrie opened proceedings by declaring the 730 people packed into the Cordis to be a record attendance for the awards.
Michael Wood, presenting the Health category, described the Awards dinner as a showcase. “It’s genuinely inspiring. I know people come away from this night really buzzing.”
Countdowns’ Denva Wren, accepting the Wellbeing award, paid tribute to the workers thrust into the frontline of dealing with people’s lockdown frustrations. “It was really tough. We need to make our workplaces psychologically safe.”
Dean Yee, a health & safety rep with Auckland Council – Engagement winner – said it was an honour to be on stage representing the reps. “I’d like to acknowledge the hundreds of reps in the organisation for all the work you do.”
Andrew Day, accepting the Innovation award on behalf of the NZDF and Aeropath, recalled that he had swept out more than one air force hangar in preparation for funerals and had decided to do something to improve air safety. “My brother Matthew has done this at considerable personal cost. I just came up with the idea. I don’t think anybody says safety is sexy but Jason – the tall guy behind me – has gone a long way to do it. Josh with the beard is the only one of us who knows how it works. But we believe it saves lives.”
MC Wendy quipped that there might be an Air Force calendar coming out soon.
Tony Mills from March Cato, Safety-II winner, said it takes courage to put it into practice. “You really have to give power back to the people. It’s bloody hard work, but we’ve given it a nudge.”
Vanessa Matakatea, accepting the Collaboration award on behalf of Ports of Auckland, said that the award recognised agreement. “That’s what collaboration is. Get everyone in the room and get agreement on how to work safely.”
Bevan Thompson from Silver Fern Farms – Governance winner – said he felt humbled to see so many people in the company doing amazing things. “It goes to show, it’s not just a company, it’s a team. Kotahitanga.” He launched into Tutira Mai Ngā Iwi and the crowd needed no further invitation to join in.
Pat Kirk, accepting the Leadership award on behalf of the Port Industry Association, noted that many of the finalists were from ports. “That’s a first for this sector. I’m proud to be part of it.”
Eva Greensill, accepting the Emerging Practitioner award, acknowledged fellow finalists Jake Deans and Rachel Ennis. “Hearing about their mahi made me realise how high the bar is and I am humbled to be alongside them.”
David South, the Mental Health Champion winner, thanked Mates in Construction. “It’s profound in construction – and breaks barriers – to say I’m not OK.”
Air New Zealand’s David Morgan said he was taken aback to win the Leader award. “My views on leadership? A leader is just a person who helps others to be special.”
Lifetime achiever Chris Peace revealed he’d been called by the university earlier in the day to be told of a proposal to disestablish his role as a H&S lecturer. “I was told I couldn’t talk to anybody about it, except whānau.” Pause. “That’s you.” Cue cheering from the crowd.
Fellow lifetimers Anna Osborne and Sonya Rockhouse used sticks (and each other) for support onto the stage. “We are thinking about our dear late friend Helen Kelly,” said Anna. “She helped us on this journey, that we were capable and had the strength to take on the government.”
She recalled the last kiss goodbye from her husband Milton as he left for work at Pike River mine. “He lost his voice that day but Sonya and I will be the voice of the 29. And shame on all who could have prevented it.”
Sonya spoke for the pair when she said they were “truly humbled” to receive the award. She remembered her sons – Ben who was killed and Daniel who was injured – and paid tribute to her eldest son Matthew. “I’m enormously proud of him. He has had to deal with the loss of his brother and injury to his other brother.”
She urged the audience to continue doing their work. “Fight for what shouldn’t need to be fought for.”
Supreme winners Silver Fern Farms were surprised and delighted to be called up to the stage a second time. The irrepressible Bevan Thompson finished proceedings with a stirring solo haka in honour of his colleagues.
Wendy Petrie, signing off for the evening: “I was talking with a few of you and there’s real momentum for the Health & Safety Calendar 2024. Safety is sexy!”
