“ We believe that by working with other public and private partners in New Zealand , we have the opportunity to create a body that will help supplier diversity , including Maori suppliers in New Zealand ”
– Rob Halsall , Chief Procurement Officer
For Westpac NZ , a progressive procurement and sustainability objective , and passion of Halsall ’ s , is creating more opportunity to recognise and build on our supplier inclusion and diversity including Maori , as the country ’ s indigenous population . “ We are working with partners to establish how we can develop a supplier database that would include Maori suppliers , categorised in a way that will allow all procurement practitioners within NZ to understand their services . New Zealand doesn ’ t have an equivalent to Australia ’ s Reconciliation Action Plan targets , or Supply Nation . However , we believe that by working with other public and private partners in New Zealand , we have the opportunity to create a body that will help supplier diversity , including Maori suppliers in New Zealand .
“ We held a social procurement symposium in July 2017 , with 200 local community leaders , procurement leaders and suppliers . We invited CPOs from telecommunications , banks , insurance , government and other community partners including Auckland Tourism ( ATEED ), Air New Zealand , Auckland Council , and also the chief executive of Supply Nation , to help share interest and knowledge in this area . The entire catering and product placement was provided by diverse local Maori and Pasifika suppliers .” westpac . co . nz 26