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DiverseNZ Launches to Amplify the Groundswell for Diversity

DiverseNZ Inc. Launches to Amplify the Groundswell for Diversity

Wednesday 31 July, 2013 - DiverseNZ Inc. has been formed to galvanise businesses to harness the economic benefit, business gain and GDP uplift that results from diverse leadership and diversity of thought. DiverseNZ Inc. has won support from a large slice of New Zealand’s private and public sector – including 35 large organisations who have invested in the initiative and 30 people contributing their time and expertise across Governance and Working Groups.

“The initiative will amplify effective projects and resources developed and delivered by the private sector and industry organisations,” said Sue Sheldon, Chair of DiverseNZ Inc. “These are critically important projects that will establish the strong link between diversity and the direct impact on an organisation’s bottom line.”

“The success of DiverseNZ Inc. is dependent on the collaboration from vested organisations to deliver practical solutions that embrace diversity including building leadership capability, developing talent, addressing unconscious bias, and sharing best practice across businesses.”

New Zealand’s corporate leaders understand that a more diverse leadership will create prosperity.

There is now a vast body of international research highlighting companies do better when there is diversity of opinion at senior decision making levels. Particular to women in senior management, Goldman Sachs estimated closing the gap between male and female employment rates would boost New Zealand's GDP by 10 per cent. And, it is likely that the same can be said for groups representing other demographics including different ethnicities and people who have different competencies, experience and qualifications.

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Facing up to this challenge and opportunity comes at a time when our leadership talent pool is also contracting. We’re a small country with a small aging talent pool.

“Harnessing the diversity of our people and their valuable contribution to the workforce is fundamentally good for business and the growth of our economy,” said Russell Stanners, CEO of Vodafone New Zealand. “It is also compelling to the global marketplace when attracting world class talent and leadership.”

It is clear from the groundswell of support from both the private and public sector that organisations want to make quicker progress. Many corporate leaders are concerned that they can’t seem to move the dial quick enough and want to see greater diversity at every level of the organisation. This may come from removing barriers or creating a deep pipeline of high calibre talent that funnels to the top of their businesses.

DiverseNZ Inc. is seeking real, measurable economic and social benefit that will amplify successful tools, collect and communicate first-rate resources and co-create programmes.

ENDS

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