2025 NZ CIO Awards Winners Announced

NZ's Top Tech Leaders & Innovations Honoured at the 2025 New Zealand CIO Awards

The country's leading minds in technology and digital innovation were celebrated tonight at the 2025 NZ CIO Awards. The prestigious event, held at Auckland’s Viaduct Events Centre, recognised exceptional leadership, transformative projects, and impactful contributions across New Zealand’s technology sector. The winners were selected by a panel of expert judges, including Cathy O'Sullivan, Editorial Director at Foundry; Di Daniels, Education Specialist and 2024 Outstanding Contribution recipient; Divina Paredes, freelance writer; Ed Strafford, Independent Researcher and Consultant; Jane Kennelly, Director at Skills Consulting Group; Louise Francis, Country Manager for IDC; Richard Kay, CIO at the Department of Conservation; Paul Littlefair, Chief Digital and Technology Officer at Kiwibank; Vaughan Robertson, Futurist; and Zoe Timbrell, Co-Founder and CEO of the Pam Fergusson Charitable Trust.

The inspiration behind the Emerging Leaders Forum

Datacom NZ CIO of the Year:

Alexandra Smart, Chief Technology Officer, Southern Cross Travel Insurance

Alexandra Smart was named NZ CIO of the Year for her leadership in a comprehensive transformation of Southern Cross Travel Insurance's (SCTI) core systems. The judges praised her as an "inspiring leader" whose vision and strategic execution have not only delivered measurable growth but also positioned the company for an ambitious new five-year strategy, with technology as a true driver of business success.

2025 Finalists:

Hamish Archer - Chief Digital Officer, WEL Networks

Sean O'Donoghue - Chief Information Officer, BestStart Educare

Stephen Kurzeja - Chief Technology Information Officer, 2degrees

ManageEngine Emerging ICT Leader of the Year:

Stasha Rmandic, Head of Analytics and Insights, Whakarongorau Aotearoa

Stasha Rmandic was honoured for her dynamic leadership at Whakarongorau Aotearoa, where she leads a high-performing team that delivers strategic insights for critical decisions in a 24/7 virtual care environment. The judges recognised her as a values-driven leader passionate about health equity and using data to create meaningful change.

2025 Finalists:

Fiona Millar - Digital Transformation Manager, Christchurch International Airport

Henry Chen - Principal Analyst and Data Scientist, Yes Energy

Adobe Business Transformation through Digital and IT:

AA Insurance

The AA Insurance project team was awarded for successfully undertaking a digital and IT transformation that shifted the entire organisation forward. The judges were impressed by the team’s passion and ability to modernise a complex, legacy business, highlighting that this was not merely an upgrade, but a truly transformative project.

2025 Finalists:

2degrees

Foodstuffs South Island

Fujitsu Excellence in Customer Value:

Auckland Transport

Auckland Transport received this award for its HOP Open Loop project, which allows commuters to pay for public transport using contactless bank cards and digital wallets. The judges hailed the project as a powerful example of how technology and design can come together to deliver real, measurable value, significantly enhancing accessibility and convenience for the community.

2025 Finalists:

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare

Lightwire

Innovation Leadership through an Emerging Technology:

Hamilton City Council

Hamilton City Council was recognised for its innovative use of emerging technologies to create a high-resolution, predictive model for capturing and applying tree canopy data. The judges noted this as an "outstanding example of innovation in action," demonstrating how a clear community need can be met with a solution that informs policy and strengthens environmental stewardship.

2025 Finalist:

Whakarongorau Aotearoa

Juniper Networks Best ICT Team Culture and Inclusion:

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare

The Fisher & Paykel Healthcare ICT team was celebrated for its "Culture of Care," which fosters empathy, inclusion, and collaboration. The judges noted that their culture is "embedded and contagious," creating an environment where team members feel connected and valued, and consistently translating this care into measurable impact and award-winning projects.

2025 Finalists:

Fletcher Building

2degrees

NZME Community Tech Champions:

Digital Future Aotearoa

Digital Future Aotearoa was named the Community Tech Champion for its work in empowering the next generation with digital skills. Through initiatives like Recycle A Device and Code Club Aotearoa, the organisation breaks down barriers and provides pathways into tech for underrepresented communities.

2025 Finalists:

Talent RISE

Women in Data Science New Zealand

Sharp Outstanding Contribution to Technology and Business in New Zealand:

Elle Archer

The Outstanding Contribution award was presented to Elle Archer in recognition of her significant and lasting impact on the New Zealand technology sector.