FutureForce Award
This award recognises an organisation, programme, or initiative that is strengthening the future workforce of the New Zealand energy sector.
Sponsored by

Orion Group
Ubuntu Programme: Enabling the workforce of tomorrow
finalist
FutureForce Award
New Zealand Energy Excellence Awards 2026
Orion's Future workforce and diversity programme (Ubuntu) builds the capability and culture needed for the energy transition by integrating diverse talent pipelines, inclusion and pay equity. Through industry partnerships and refreshed early careers pathways, Orion is growing a more diverse talent pool. Internally, governance and employee voice mechanisms, Mana Taumata behaviours and cultural audits embed inclusion into core systems. Over the assessment period, Orion reduced its gender pay gap from 22% to 8.6%, lifted engagement from 63% to 67%, and improved inclusion audit scores from 30% to 65%.