At Deane, company-wide events have always been a cornerstone of our culture. They provide us with opportunities to celebrate success and connect with each other. However, over time, these events had lost some of their sparkle. Recognizing this, and driven by staff feedback, we decided to breathe new life into our celebrations.

To achieve this, we created an Events Team with representation from various departments and levels within Deane. The goal was clear: to re-energize our events and ensure they reflect our values of safety, inclusivity, and diversity.

Fast forward 18 months, and our events have only grown bigger and better, thanks to the incredible mahi of our Events Team. They have focused on celebrations that showcase our diverse cultures, making each event a unique and enriching experience.

So far, we’ve celebrated Diwali, Samoan and Tongan Independence Days, and Cook Island Constitution Day. What has made these days truly special is the love, pride, and passion our teams have poured into them. This has manifested in various forms, from amazing homemade food to dance, song, taonga, and music.

We believe these celebrations have promoted more understanding and appreciation among our teams. They provide opportunities for everyone to learn about different cultures, breaking down barriers and building stronger, more cohesive teams. These celebrations have absolutely enriched our workplace, making it a more vibrant and inclusive environment.

As we march towards the end of 2024, Deane will be releasing its first-ever Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Survey to staff. Our goal is to gather insights that will help us foster an inclusive and fairer workplace for everyone. By continuing to embrace and celebrate our diversity, we are building a workplace where everyone feels seen, heard, and appreciated.