The Komatsu Women In Extractives Lunch was held at the Jet Park Hotel in Hamilton in March. The event is in its second year where awards that celebrate diversity and inclusion in the industry are presented.

There are three award categories, the Kristy Christensen Memorial Award, Emerging Star and Leader Of The Year. Fifteen nominations across all three categories were received with around 120 people in attendance.

Stevenson placed three entries across the three award categories. Environmental Compliance Manager and Kaiārahi Tara Edwards-Tusa, Loader Leading Hand Rosie Toto-Croucher and Consents Manager Jo Young. Tara won the Kristy Christensen Memorial Award for being a diversity champion. Tara’s role in environmental compliance, a kaiārahi at Stevenson and co-chair for Te Ara Tika, the Māori steering committee were recognised.

The judges noted that Tara has a rare leadership skill of never making anyone feel like she doesn’t have time for them. As she leads the continued advancement of Te Ao Māori across the business in Auckland, her leadership skills will guide Stevenson to a place of cultural inclusion, understanding and diversity. Drury quarry’s Loader Leading Hand Rosie Toto-Croucher and Consents Manager Jo Young were finalists in the Emerging Star and Leader Of The Year award categories.

Aggregate and Quarry Association Chief Executive Wayne Scott called the finalists trailblazers and thanked them for paving the way for more women to join the industry. He adds, “The event organisers were blown away by the strength of the nominations. Accepting diversity and valuing inclusion is important to a healthy and safe workplace.”

We are so proud of our amazing wāhine toa and their work at Stevenson.