Making a Difference: Te Ara Hihiko wins Supreme Award at 2025 NZ Compare Awards

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The Technology Users Association of New Zealand (TUANZ) is proud to announce that Te Ara Hihiko, its flagship equity-and-inclusion initiative, has been awarded the 2025 NZ Compare Supreme Award in the Making a Difference category. The award recognises organisations effecting real and lasting social impact, and this year the judges selected Te Ara Hihiko for its outstanding contribution to digital equity for Māori and Pasifika across Aotearoa.

“This award shines a spotlight on the critical importance of digital inclusion, diversity, and cultural equity in our industry,” says Megan Matthews, Chair and Programme Lead for Te Ara Hihiko.

“Building a sustainable tech sector in Aotearoa is not only about infrastructure or services,  it’s fundamentally about people, opportunity and social justice. When we create genuine pathways for Māori and Pasifika talent, we strengthen the entire industry and ensure our digital future truly represents all New Zealanders.”

“On behalf of the entire Te Ara Hihiko team, I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to NZ Compare, the judges and everyone who has contributed to this mahi. This achievement belongs especially to our Māori and Pasifika participants and all our supporters who have championed this kaupapa from the beginning.”

Te Ara Hihiko, (pathway of energy and inspiration) is TUANZ’s programme to create equitable and culturally inclusive pathways into the digital sector for Māori and Pasifika. Through a series of in-person hui, collaboration with member organisations, cultural advisors, HR specialists and senior business leaders, Te Ara Hihiko addresses systemic barriers at every stage.

“Te Ara Hihiko’s win is more than just an award, it is an important milestone for equity in the New Zealand tech industry,” says Craig Young, CEO of TUANZ.

“We believe that opportunity should reflect Aotearoa’s diversity. This recognition will help amplify voices that are too often unheard, and encourage real systems change across the sector.”

With this recognition, TUANZ and Te Ara Hihiko are committed to deepening this kaupapa: expanding engagement, strengthening partnerships across the digital sector, and continuing to dismantle barriers so that Māori and Pasifika talent can thrive from rangatahi through to senior leadership roles.

“This award validates the hard work of so many people who have contributed to Te Ara Hihiko, but more importantly, it signals to the entire tech sector that equity and inclusion must be central to how we build our digital future,” says Craig.

“We’re energised to continue this mahi and grateful for the recognition that will help us reach even more rangatahi and organisations committed to meaningful change.”

For further information or interview requests, please contact:

Megan Matthews
Programme Lead, Te Ara Hihiko
Phone: 021 1121 523
Email: megan.matthews.nz@gmail.com

About Te Ara Hihiko
Te Ara Hihiko is TUANZ’s flagship programme dedicated to creating equitable pathways for Māori and Pasifika into New Zealand’s digital sector. Through collaboration, cultural inclusivity, and systems change, the initiative works to ensure the tech industry reflects the diversity of Aotearoa. The core aims of Te Ara Hihiko are to:

  • Raise awareness of the breadth of opportunities in New Zealand’s digital economy.
  • Provide clear, accessible pathways for rangatahi (young people) to enter digital roles.
  • Challenge and reform hiring and induction practices to be culturally appropriate, inclusive, and supportive of Māori and Pasifika staff.
  • Ensure fair and equitable opportunities for long-term growth and development once in the workforce.

Learn more: https://tuanz.org.nz/te-ara-hihiko/

About TUANZ
As the independent technology user’s association for Aotearoa, TUANZ aims to build on its history of leading and achieving positive change. Our goal is to mobilise users across all parts of society and the economy, ensuring they are aware of the opportunities and upcoming developments in technology. 
Learn more about TUANZ and explore our current work programme here: www.tuanz.org.nz