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Reseller News is proud to reveal the winners of the Innovation Awards in 2024, featuring a leading and diverse line-up of partners, vendors, distributors and individuals across New Zealand.
Held on Thursday 28 November, the Innovation Awards black tie event brought together more than 380 industry delegates together under the Reseller News roof at the Cordis in Auckland.
This year there were 118 finalists represented from 50 organisations with two new inductees introduced into the Hall of Fame for 2024 in Darius and Edwina Mistry.
The new-look Reseller News Innovation Awards in 2024 houses a modernised awards line-up featuring a new Innovation for Good category designed to acknowledge the contributions of industry-leading organisations that are making a positive societal impact, particularly in the areas of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) and Sustainability within the IT sector.
For the first time, an Honour Roll was also introduced to acknowledge influential figures in the IT industry. The Honour Roll in 2024 featured John Holdsworth, Trevor and Corallie Eagle and Tony Butler.
In 2024, the Innovation Awards program was streamlined from 35 to 30 awards, as Reseller News raises the bar for industry excellence across New Zealand.
Aligned to the Reseller News approach of representing established and emerging technology providers in equal measure, Innovation Awards in 2024 stands tall as the leading forum for setting the industry benchmark for ecosystem excellence across New Zealand.
“Nine years of celebrating IT industry innovation speaks volumes about the talent, the passion and the dedication that courses through the veins of this vibrant community,” Reseller News editor Julia Talevski said.
“The Innovation Awards continues to shine a spotlight on the transformative nature of our ecosystem across partners, start-ups, vendors and distributors – all playing a crucial role in delivering on the promise of technology to customers across the country. Congratulations to our standout finalists, highly commended and winners.”
In 2024, the Innovation Awards will honour the channel across eight categories, spanning Innovation for Good, Partner, Tech Partner, Start-up, Personal Innovation, Vendor, Distributor and Hall of Fame.
Winners were selected by an executive judging panel of business leaders from partner, vendor and distributor organisations.
Reseller News congratulates all finalists, highly commended and winners.
INNOVATION FOR GOOD
Innovation for Good recognises the work of industry leading organisations with demonstrated positive impact on society, putting words to practice through targeted impact in relation to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) and Sustainability in the IT industry. Sponsored by: Chillisoft
Diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I)
- CyberCX
- Dicker Data NZ
- HP New Zealand
- Microsoft
- Mission Ready
- Schneider Electric NZ
- Securecom
- Spectrum Consulting
- Westcon-Comstor
Winner: Dicker Data NZ
Dicker Data demonstrates a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion through industry-leading gender ratios, cultural representation and age diversity, supported by progressive recruitment policies and flexible work initiatives. The company has achieved a gender-balanced board and continues to elevate young talent into leadership roles while fostering an inclusive environment for all employees.
Sustainability
- Digital Future Aotearoa
- Jabra
- Schneider Electric NZ
- Spark NZ
- V-Quest
Winner: Digital Future Aotearoa
Digital Future Aotearoa’s sustainable IT initiatives were designed to prioritise and implement structured approaches for positive environmental impact. These efforts also help other organisations drive positive results with their sustainability goals.
PARTNER
Recognises customer innovation and excellence across the key market segments of Enterprise, Mid-Market and SMB, in addition to pioneering Regional technology partners. Sponsored by: Schneider Electric
Enterprise
- Lexel
- netQ
- Securecom
Winner: netQ
netQ has been recognised for its work resolving significant challenges for a major retailer, earning customer trust through their data-driven, root-cause-focused approach. netQ’s ability to break silos, foster collaboration and move quickly builds confidence, enabling enterprises to focus on innovation while achieving tailored, high-impact results.
Mid-Market
- Both Brains
- Delta Insights
- iViis Ltd
- Kōwhai AI Ltd
- Lexel
- SAS IT
- Securecom
- Virtual Blue
Winner: Securecom
Securecom’s commitment to innovation and its customer-centric approach has enabled mid-market businesses to achieve lasting success. Its attitude towards transformation has created an impact felt from the frontline to the boardroom.
SMB
- Both Brains
- Micado
- Securecom
Winner: Micado
Micado’s offering integrates enterprise and digital transformation expertise, a single point of contact for holistic customer views, customised and scalable implementation provision, flexible payment options and local support.
Regional
- Advantage
- Both Brains
- Yorb
Winner: Yorb
Yorb’s proactive approach to cyber security saw it develop its set of eight minimum standards to enable customers to self-assess their business, establish a security score and identify room for improvement. A mixture of off-the-shelf and proprietary tools are used in order to help customers achieve its standards and better their scores.
TECH PARTNER
Recognises partners leveraging established and emerging solutions to enhance customer innovation levels, underpinned by deep levels of expertise and specialist services spanning Cloud, Digital Transformation and Emerging Technology segments. Sponsored by: Entelar Group
Cloud
- Datacom
- SAS IT
- Securecom
Winner: Datacom
Datacom is recognised for successfully migrating a major education provider to Microsoft Azure through a structured 22-week approach with expert teams and robust safeguards. The project transformed legacy infrastructure to a flexible cloud model using PaaS services, optimising costs while enhancing security and efficiency.
Digital Transformation
- ClearPoint
- Digital Island
- Micado
- Securecom
- Softsource vBridge
- SupaHuman AI
Highly commended: Softsource vBridge
Winner: Digital Island
Digital Island earns this award for its standout projects, including its innovative Connect Symphony solution, which cuts deployment time from 30 hours to just 3-4 minutes. The company also deployed a cloud-based Amazon Connect platform for a major weather service, enabling 100 global agents with a custom UI, real-time analytics and detailed reporting. These advancements improved operations leading to quicker delivery of critical weather updates, enhancing safety across New Zealand.
Emerging
- ClearPoint
- Datacom
- Inde Technology
- Kōwhai AI
- Quanton
- Softsource vBridge
- Spectrum Consulting
- Straker
- SupaHuman AI
Highly commended: SupaHuman AI
Winner: Inde Technology
Inde wins this award for its SkyCount project, developed in partnership with an agri customer, to use AI-powered drones to automate livestock counting, reducing labour, costs and animal stress. This innovative solution enhances efficiency and positions both companies as leaders in AI-driven farming technology.
START-UP
Recognises market-leading start-ups building unique businesses to bring innovative new technologies to the New Zealand market across Product, Industry and Entrepreneur. Sponsored by: Dicker Data
Product
- Atomic.io
- Blacklock Security
- SupaHuman AI
Winner: Blacklock Security and Atomic.io
Blacklock’s on-demand vulnerability scanning and penetration testing service platform enables businesses to perform continuous security testing in a scalable, cost-effective and agile manner.
Atomic.io
Atomic.io is the only proactive, secure and actionable in-app engagement tool on the market today. Offering a unique approach to enhance customer experience by embedding native and actionable messages inside mobile or web apps.
Industry
- Atomic.io
- Delta Insights
- Kōwhai AI
Winner: Delta Insights
Delta Insights has made a significant impact on the New Zealand health and aged care industry through its strategic collaborations with key organisations. These projects have led to improving service delivery, enhancing operational efficiency and ultimately supporting the well-being of individuals across the country.
Entrepreneur
- Dave Howden – SupaHuman AI
- Dalia Raphael – Delta Insights
- Gavin Sharkey – Kōwhai AI
Winner: Gavin Sharkey – Kōwhai AI
Gavin Sharkey left a high-profile role at Suntory to start a new venture in Kōwhai, challenging the traditional models of technology adoption. Sharkey took his extensive experience from leading AI and technology initiatives at Suntory and spied a clear gap in the market for mid-sized businesses to adopt AI and data science.
VENDOR:
Recognises vendors helping partners deliver transformative solutions and services to customers, operating market-leading approaches to engagement and enablement across the key technology segments of Security, Hardware, Specialist and Homegrown ISV. Sponsored by: Ingram Micro
Security
- Akamai Technologies
- ESET
- ExtraHop
- WatchGuard Technologies
Winner: WatchGuard Technologies
WatchGuard’s various partner enablement initiatives have been at the forefront of WatchGuard’s presence in New Zealand, ensuring partners are well-equipped to succeed. These engagements not only strengthened partner relationships but also facilitate valuable insights that partners can leverage for their pipeline growth and strategic development.
Hardware
- HPE
- HP New Zealand
- Jabra
Winner: HPE
HPE’s go-to-market centres around helping organisations accelerate their digital transformation through three key core areas: technology, people and economics. Partners play an integral part of this approach with 90% of HPE’s revenue is generated through the channel in New Zealand.
Specialist
- Access4
- Akamai Technologies
- Jabra
- Schneider Electric NZ
Highly commended: Schneider Electric
Winner: Access4
Access4 began with a vision to provide voice and collaboration software to the MSP market. As a channel-only business, Access4 employs a sales partnership model, helping partners achieve sustainability and customer loyalty through consistent recurring revenue streams.
Homegrown ISV
- Atomic.io
- Spinika
Winner: Atomic.io
The platform’s unique IP lies in its ability to deliver complex, interactive experiences with minimal IT
involvement, drastically reducing time-to-market and enabling continuous innovation and customer experience. Atomic helped one of NZ’s largest banks overcome significant challenges by streamlining their user engagement process resulting in a 30 per cent increase in user engagement and 20 per cent boost in adopting new features.
DISTRIBUTOR
Recognises distributors spearheading ecosystem innovation and growth through transformative approaches to vendor engagement and partner enablement, spanning the core categories of Hardware, Software, Specialist and Creativity. Sponsored by: HP
Hardware
- Dicker Data
- Ingram Micro
- SnapperNet
Winner: Ingram Micro
Supporting more 2,000 active resellers and working with 160 vendors such as HPE, HP, Dell, Lenovo and IBM, Ingram provides access to an unmatched portfolio of hardware solutions. The team of 270 dedicated professionals ensures partners receive the support they need across sales, technical expertise, marketing and business development.
Software
- Crayon
- Dicker Data
- Westcon-Comstor
Winner: Dicker Data NZ
Dicker Data’s software practice building capabilities has differentiated the business in the past 12 months. It has transformed partner businesses across the country, by assisting them to build technical, sales and marketing capabilities around the solutions that fit best with their end-customers.
Specialist
- Chillisoft
- Crayon
- Ingram Micro
- Netpoleon New Zealand
- NEXTGEN
- SnapperNet
Winner: Chillisoft
As a specialist distributor, Chillisoft helps new vendors with limited resources access the New Zealand market efficiently and cost-effectively. Through unique growth initiatives and deep technical expertise, Chillisoft has consistently empowered its partners to deliver advanced cybersecurity services to keep their customers ahead of cyber threats.
Creativity
- Chillisoft
- Crayon
- Dicker Data
- Entelar Group
- Netpoleon New Zealand
- NEXTGEN
- Westcon-Comstor
Winner: Westcon-Comstor
Westcon Comstor wins this award for transforming Cisco’s distribution in NZ by making enterprise solutions accessible to small businesses through their dedicated SURGE team. They streamlined operations with their innovative “Business Experiences” bundle, combining four key Cisco solutions with flexible cloud management and pricing tools. This resulted in significant partner growth, while enabling partners to evolve into strategic advisors.
PERSONAL INNOVATION
Recognises standout individuals who contribute to customer, company and channel success through a transformative approach to management, channel, sales, technical and marketing positions. Sponsored by: Westcon-Comstor
Channel Excellence
- Jacques Cronje – Veeam
- Anton Dudding – HP NZ
- David Feng – Entelar Group
- Kate Fraser – HPE
Winner: Jacques Cronje – Veeam
Jacques demonstrated exceptional channel leadership through the #EmpowerHerVMCE initiative, which successfully certified five female engineers in NZ. His implementation of the Accelerate to Veeam program provided financial support to reduce migration barriers for partners, while maintaining a consistent 100% channel-centric approach.
Sales Excellence
- Andrew Bedford – HPE
- Ken Caballero – Entelar Group
- Ravi Patel – HP NZ
- Helen Tuckerman – Cello
Winner: Andrew Bedford – HPE
As a seasoned and relentlessly curious professional, Andrew’s career has been defined by deep innovation and has consistently adapted to stay ahead and deliver true value to customers. His sales expertise, leadership style and communication skills has seen him recognised globally by HPE’s worldwide team and customers alike.
Marketing Excellence
- Shabana Khan – Jabra
- Kim Mckay – HP NZ
- Leema Rodrigues – Schneider Electric
Highly commended: Leema Rodrigues – Schneider Electric
Winner: Kim McKay – HP
Kim is exceptional when it comes to organising events at HP, being able to manage multiple projects at once with efficiency and grace. She also looks at supporting those that work with her, striving to make life more enjoyable for them.
Technical Excellence
Partner/Telco
- Jason Chapman – netQ
- Paul Dunlop – Datacom
- Troy Gerrie – Yorb
- Ian MacDonald – Cello
- Anchal Marwah – Digital Island
- David Quiroga – Spectrum Consulting
- Ernst du Toit – SAS IT
- Max Webb – Spark New Zealand
Winner: Ernst du Toit – SAS IT
With over 20 years working in the New Zealand channel, SAS IT’s Ernst Du Toit has developed an incredible set of technology expertise and achievements. Widely recognised as a leading IBM Power expert in the country, Ernst has committed himself to improving his skillset and breadth of knowledge.
Vendor/Distributor
- Hank Chen – Schneider Electric NZ
- Junan Liu – Westcon-Comstor
- Mike Prestidge – HP NZ
Highly commended: Junan Liu – Westcon-Comstor
Winner: Hank Chen – Schneider Electric NZ
Hank is a highly regarded solution architect with over years of cross-domain experience. His deep expertise in data center technology, honed at Schneider Electic’s R&D center, enables him to help channel partners optimise reliability and sustainability of critical assets.
Management Excellence
- Ross Barr – Resultex
- Tracey Brewer – HP NZ
- Vincent Chak – Digital Island
- Lynne Jeffery – NEXTGEN
- Jason Molloy – Schneider Electric
- Sharon Woodley – Inov8
Winner: Lynne Jeffery – NEXTGEN
Lynne has had many success stories within the ICT sector in both the UK and NZ over the last 25-plus years. Under her leadership, NEXTGEN NZ’s revenue has nearly tripled in four years with revenue from its top 10 partners has increasing by 272 per cent. The growth and achievements of the NZ business was instrumental to the success of the NEXTGEN Group across APAC.
Honour Roll
Tony Butler is a seasoned leader in IT distribution, known for his strategic insight and significant impact on the NZ tech industry.
He led Datamini before moving to Tech Pacific. After a stint at Ozisoft, he returned to Tech Pacific in 1986 and spent over 20 years there, ultimately shaping it into a leading tech distributor.
Under Tony’s leadership, Tech Pacific secured key partnerships with major brands like Microsoft in the early ’90s and HP in 1995, transforming the company into NZ’s first broad-based tech distributor.
Tony led a team of creative individuals, encouraging them to take risks and innovate. The employee list under his leadership reads like a ‘who’s who of the NZ IT Industry’ today.
He had a massive impact on so many, giving opportunities, mentoring hundreds and shaping individuals who have shaped our industry.
Tony participated in a management buyout with CVC in 2002, leading to the sale to Ingram Micro in 2004. Later, he became a major shareholder in Exeed, acquiring brands like Apple and expanding into broad-based distribution before selling Exeed to Dicker Data.
Tony is highly respected in the industry for his mentorship, strategic acumen and enduring influence on IT distribution in New Zealand.
Trevor and Corallie Eagle
Trevor and Corallie Eagle founded International Data Limited (IDL) in 1969, which is where Eagle Technology was born with a vision to bring excellence in IT products and services to the New Zealand market becoming one of the first companies to market and sell a range of computer systems, services and software.
Prior to embarking on his entrepreneurial journey, Trevor took up a role within IBM’s sales department and led the Auckland office.
Always sharing the partnership in equal measure across the business, Corallie was infact the driving and supportive force as she was involved in every decision.
A family culture ran through the veins of the organisation, particularly as all of Trevor and Corallie’s seven children worked within the company at some stage.
At the time of his sudden death in 2000, Trevor had become a leader in the IT industry and supported science, education, community and environmental organisations, holding executive positions including Auckland Area Chairman of the Duke of Edinburgh Awards and trustee of the World Wildlife Fund.
Following Trevor’s passing, Corallie became Chairman, a position she retained with a graceful force until her death in 2021. Vale Trevor and Corallie Eagle.
John Holdsworth
John Holdsworth was best known for his significant role in the growth of Datacom Group, one of the country’s leading IT services companies.
Datacom was founded in 1965 with John being a pivotal figure in its expansion and success. He served as chairman from 1988 until stepping down in 2013.
Under John’s leadership, Datacom experienced substantial growth, expanding its operations across New Zealand, Australia and parts of Asia. As of 2024 the company employed approx 6,000 staff and achieved revenues approaching NZ$1.5 billion.
Beyond his business endeavours, Holdsworth was deeply committed to community service.
He played a significant role in the IHC New Zealand, an organisation supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities. His contributions included chairing the Finance and Audit Committee in the early 1990s, serving on the national board and being awarded life membership in 2007.
In recognition of his services to business and the community, he was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2011. Vale John Holdsworth.
Hall of Fame 2024 – Edwina and Darius Mistry
Sponsored by: Westcon and VMware by Broadcom
Edwina commenced her career in 1985 and, like many in the IT industry, worked for Wang in 1988 as a support consultant before setting up the dealer channel in New Zealand for Sanderson.
She has been involved in promoting and encouraging women to consider IT as a career.
During her 21 years at Manukau Institute of Technology, she was instrumental in developing IT degree programs and fostering industry connections for students.
She has been a strong advocate for diversity in tech, leading initiatives to encourage young women, Māori and Pasifika students to pursue technology careers. She later became the executive director of TechWomen at NZTech where she expanded the Shadow Tech program, giving students hands-on exposure to IT careers.
She continues to impact lives through CreateOps, an organisation she founded to support young adults, students, people re-entering the workforce and executives. She also dedicates her time to charities, including Age Concern and currently serves as the director of operations for systems integrator, Imagetext.
Alongside Darius, the duo cultivated Imagetext as a unique presence in New Zealand’s tech landscape while also making time to support charitable and community causes. Known for their integrity, they are respected leaders in both their business pursuits and their community involvement.
Together – along with business partner John Preisig – Imagetext has become a trusted name in the integration of Apple devices into Windows-based environments, helping IT teams effectively manage mixed technology networks. Its client base ranges from large multinational corporations to SMEs, schools and universities.
Darius’ reputation for expertise and integrity has led to partnerships with many of NZ’s top resellers, even as they partner to support the large accounts of their mutual clients.
Darius has led Imagetext in offering specialised solutions for complex environments, from digital asset management and mobile device management to end-to-end workflow design in graphic, printing and publishing industries.