Diversity & Inclusion

Kirstin has been leading Vodafone New Zealand’s Diversity & Inclusion strategy for the past four years. She will share the organisations journey to creating a deeply embedded culture of inclusion and the impact it’s had on the personal and professional development and advancement of Vodafone’s people.

Key to the success of Vodafone’s Diversity & Inclusion strategy is raising organisational awareness of how leaders and individuals can mitigate their own Unconscious Bias’. During this session, Kirstin will provide practical examples of the different forms of Unconscious Bias’ you may come across in day to day situations, and raise awareness of how our sub-conscious actions can impact our decision making process.

About Kirstin Te Wao

Kirstin Te Wao is Vodafone New Zealand’s Diversity & Inclusion Lead, appointed to the inaugural role in May 2014 and comes from humble Customer Service beginnings. In 2011 Kirstin led Vodafone’s inaugural Maori Language Week celebrations which triggered her career journey HR. During this time Kirstin launched Vodafone’s ground breaking parental leave policy, led the transition of a company-wide Graduate programme, implemented the Vodafone Family Violence policy and supported the establishment of nine employee networks that now contribute to the company’s strategic direction.

Today Kirstin is responsible for the development and execution of Vodafone’s Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, and programmes that focus on creating an environment of inclusion that empowers their employees to be at their best, for the betterment of their customers.