Auckland Council has scooped the prestigious Supreme Award at the 2019 McGredy Winder SOLGM Local Government Excellence awards.

The Kia Puāwai training scheme to improve employment opportunities for contact centre staff in South Auckland triumphed over 32 other entries to secure the award.

The entry also won the Capability Group Award for Innovation in Organisation and People Development.

The contact centre training scheme provided by Solomon Group, offers not just a job for Auckland Council contact centre staff but the prospect of a career.

It was praised by judges as an inspirational example of a successful cross-sectorial collaboration.

“Kia Puāwai has provided life-changing opportunities for the graduates, a reliable source of motivated staff for the contact centre, and sustainable benefits for South Auckland,” said Raymond Horan, SOLGM’s chief advisor.