Russell McVeagh has been recognised with a White Camellia Award for its work advancing equality through community initiatives and advocacy aligned with Principle 6 of the Women Empowerment Principles (WEPs).
Judges commended Russell McVeagh for its strong support of women's organisations and the breadth of partnerships it maintains, including Champions for Change, NZ Law Society Gender Equality Charter, Dignity and Auckland Women Lawyers' Association.
The firm's commitment also extends to mentoring young women through programmes such as TupuToa, YWCA Future Leaders and the University of Auckland Women’s Mentoring Programme, alongside providing pro bono legal support for RainbowYOUTH, Aotearoa Disability Law and Community Law Centres in Māngere, and the Wellington and the Hutt Valley, where solicitors volunteer their time. Feedback from the award ceremony noted that this reflects an inclusive approach that recognises the diverse realities women face and a commitment to equity across all intersections of identity.
The annual White Camellia Awards celebrate New Zealand organisations leading gender equality and fair opportunities across business practices. Judging is based on organisations’ implementation of the UN Women and UN Global Compact WEPs within workplace policies and procedures.
Russell McVeagh CEO Ben McLaren says, “We are proud to be recognised for our work in advancing gender equality. This reflects the dedication of our people and the strength of our partnerships. While we've made progress, we know this is a long-term commitment and we remain focused on driving positive change, holding ourselves accountable to our diversity and inclusion goals and understanding cultural and systemic barriers to the recruitment, retention and promotion of women."
We congratulate Supreme Winner, KPMG, and all other award recipients.
The NZ WEPs Committee comprises UN Women Aotearoa New Zealand, NZ Federation of Business & Professional Women, Human Rights Commission and Zonta International District 16.
Find out more about the White Camelia Awards.
Russell McVeagh also recently achieved Advanced Gender Tick reaccreditation, which we have held for the third-year running. The Gender Tick independently recognises organisations that demonstrate strong, sustained practices to support gender equity across recruitment, development, flexibility and leadership.