Wrapping Up the Year: Kirihimete, Awards, and Celebrations
9 January 2026'Tis the season to come together and celebrate the joys of the past year!
In the lead up to Kirihimete, our Kā te Rama Switched On whānau gathered for Christmas parties across the motu to commemorate a year of hard work, connection, and success. Each team brought their own flair to their end-of-year festivities, creating memorable moments to close out the year.
Hawke’s Bay & Gisborne
Our Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne whānau came together and kicked off festivities with an afternoon testing their aim with some archery (but not shooting at each other!). They then went on to dinner, sharing some delicious kai together and toasting a year of hard work.
Some of our Annual Award winners from the Gisborne and Palmerston North offices
Palmerston North
Our Palmerston North whānau brought out their competitive spirit with a fun-filled afternoon of lawn bowls, volleyball and table tennis. The team rounded off the evening with dinner together, sharing laughs and stories as they celebrated together.
Wellington
The Wellington team gathered around the campfire to sing some songs, enjoy kai and reflect on the past year while looking ahead to what’s to come. It was an evening filled with connection and positivity, a fitting close to a year of great mahi.
The Wellington whānau together sharing good kai and good times.
Christchurch
Our Christchurch team had an afternoon of friendly competition playing lawn bowls with some hampers up for grabs! Laughter, connection, and reflection were in full swing as the team wrapped up the day with some delicious kai and good music.
Our Christchurch team having fun over bowls.
Hush
The Hush team came together over kai and commemorated 2025 with a great presentation by Janine. The evening was filled with joy, laughter, and camaraderie as the team toasted to a year of hard work.
Nelson
Our Nelson whānau remembered the year by enjoying a special meal together. With great kai, good cheer, and plenty of kōrero, it was a celebration to remember and the perfect way to close out the year.
At highlight of each event was the presentation of our Annual Awards. These are awards nominated by our kaimahi to celebrate those who have embodied the Switched On values, shown true leadership abilities or are just an all-around A-team player.
Congratulations to all our winners!
Switched On Housing North Island R07
Hauora Matters | Samara Meads
Customer Aroha | Enoka Karaka
Manaaki at Mahi | Monique Matthews
Helping our Hapori | Lynne Thomas
Kā te Rama A-Player | Caleb Smith
Rangatira | Shaun Frame
Switched On Housing South Island R10
Hauora Matters | Emma Hayes
Customer Aroha | Hayley Davidson
Manaaki at Mahi | Melinda Ware
Helping our Hapori | Ben Gallagher
Kā te Rama A-Player | Connor O’Brien
Rangatira | Amanda McCabe
Switched On Building Solutions
Hauora Matters | Johnene Smith
Customer Aroha | Grace Mkwara
Manaaki at Mahi | Fiona Stubley
Helping our Hapori | Chris Baker
Kā te Rama A-Player | Jennifer Van Der Westhuizen
Rangatira | AJ Funnell
Tradesperson of the Year | Aaron Duan
Shared Services
Hauora Matters | Christina Bately
Customer Aroha | Steph Gilchrist
Manaaki at Mahi | Emma Wipou
Helping our Hapori | Bayley Corfield
Kā te Rama A-Player | Dain Harvey
Rangatira | Kristal McGill
Hush
Leadership Award | Daryl Cherry
Tradesperson of the Year Award | Dean Cameron
Temp of the Year Award | Oliver Turia
Unsung Hero Award | Elissa Reu
These celebrations reflect the heart of our Kā te Rama Switched On culture: connection, hauora, and a shared commitment to our people and communities.
Meri kirihimete, and happy new year!