IT Project Excellence Award

In partnership with Project Management Institute of NZ 

WINNER: Nick Kumarich & NZME Technology Delivery Teams

Nick and the Technology Delivery Team oversaw the transition of APN New Zealand, The Radio Network and Grab One into a single entity on a new site. With no disruption to broadcasting services, the project was a blueprint for good project management.

With no disruption or milestones missed, the judges were seriously impressed with the exemplary project management and multi-talented team that oversaw the highly successful technology merger. 

Excellence in Software

In partnership with the NZ Software Association 

WINNER: CricHQ

The growth and adoption of CricHQ's cricket administration software is an outstanding achievement on a global scale within a very short time-frame. The breadth of the product and its capabilities are truly impressive.

The judges especially liked the team's great technical leadership in its early adoption of crowdsourcing, and continuing to look for new opportunities to develop the product. 

Excellence in Health Informatics

In partnership with Health Informatics NZ 

WINNER: Dr David Hay Orion Health 

David is passionately defining open standards for Health, promoting use of and education of HL7 for New Zealand, and working globally on the FHIR standard and programme. His work is helping transform health informatics across the world.

David demonstrates a breadth of understanding of the Heath sector and has dedicated his entire career to bridging the role of clinician (he is a GP by training) with technology, with stunning results.  

Excellence in IT Education

In partnership with CITRENZ 

WINNER: Michael Trengrove CodeClub Aotearoa

CodeClub Aotearoa is a collection of 215 clubs utilizing 950 volunteers to teach primary school children how to code. The initiative is growing rapidly and with a 40% female participation rate, is helping create the future IT profession.

Michael's commitment to the cause, and drive that has seen rapid scaling of the project, really impressed the judges. Engaging nearly 1000 volunteers, the project is the very definition of excellence in IT education. 

Excellence in Service Management 

In partnership with itSMF

WINNER: Brent Logan IT Services Group at Canterbury DHB

Canterbury DHB has massively re-engineered their Information Services area since the upheaval of the earthquakes.  Adapting Lean Management principles to a service environment and then using this to improve their own service to the business has seen outstanding results.

The service management changes implemented by the DHB saw massive improvement in customer experience, call logging and account lockouts, and served as a catalyst for the rest of the organization to pursue excellence. 

Excellence in Public Sector IT

In partnership with GOVIS 

WINNER: Information Services Group Whanganui District Council

The ISG group at Whanganui District Council have overseen a significant programme of work, including delivery on Better Public Services - Government Result 10, Software Defined Data Centres, and a case study for PRINCE2 in the pursuit of on-line elections.

The Judges were impressed with the clearly articulated strategy and delivery of multiple projects that has seen Whanganui awarded in the Top 7 Intelligent Communities in the world in 2016.  

Young IT Professional of the Year

In partnership with NZRise 

WINNER: Thomas Mitchell Hunchbuzz 

In Hunchbuzz, Thomas and his team have built an idea management and crowdsourcing engine that's innovative, socially responsible, and a great business. Thomas is focused on growing the tech sector, creating innovation, and achieving great results.

All the finalists were amazing, but the judges found Thomas' can-do attitude and sense of social responsibility humbling for someone in their early 20s. Operating at the intersection of innovation and entrepreneurialism, Thomas is an inspiration. 

New Zealand IT Professional of the Year

In partnership with IT Professionals NZ 

WINNER: Victoria Maclennan Optimal BI 

Victoria has a consistent vision for technology which she translates into all she does, from working with ministers at the highest level as co-chair of NZRise, to getting youth into technology-related jobs. She has achieved phenomenal results in both her work and her support of our industry. 

The judges felt Victoria was the epitome of the technology advocate, working at all levels to elevate the development and use of technology in New Zealand. She walks the walk and yet remains incredibly humble throughout.