Tourism operator Real Journeys has won the top prize at the 20th Diversity Awards.
Diversity Works NZ, which runs the awards, praised Real Journeys for its training initiative that utilises the experience of older workers to provide learning opportunities for young people in Otago and Southland.
Real Journeys, operator of the TSS Earnslaw, which cruises Doubtful and Milford Sounds, as well as Stewart Island ferries, has become the country's largest maritime training employer behind the Navy.
Diversity Works NZ chief executive Bev Cassidy-Mackenzie said the company's scheme to use launch masters nearing retirement to train and mentor the next generation of skippers gave older workers the opportunity to pass on their skills while helping younger staff progress in their careers.
"Real Journeys is not just learning about diversity and inclusion, it's living it every day as part of its operation. The company is exposing visitors to some of the most beautiful parts of our country to an inclusive workplace culture in action," she said.
