Competenz 2025 Plastics Training Awards Winners
The 2025 Competenz Plastics Awards shone a spotlight on the people and organisations setting the standard for training, development, and excellence across Aotearoa’s plastics industry. This year’s winners and runners-up reflect a shared commitment to investing in people — and the results speak volumes.
Taking out Training Company of the Year, Fisher & Paykel Healthcare continues to demonstrate what’s possible when development is deeply embedded in workplace culture. Their approach to training goes far beyond delivering qualifications. It creates pathways. Learners are encouraged to grow into mentors, technical specialists step into advanced roles, and graduates progress into leadership positions such as Team Leader and Engineering Manager.
This culture of continuous development was evident during a celebratory afternoon tea, where staff proudly reflected on what training has meant for both individuals and the business. Notably, the team had already taken time to recognise recent learner achievements before the award outcome was announced — a clear sign that celebrating success is simply part of how they operate. Surrounded by the colleagues who make that success possible every day, the award presentation felt like a natural extension of an already strong culture. With a history of success, including producing last year’s Apprentice of the Year, Fisher & Paykel Healthcare stands as a deserving and inspiring winner.
Runner-up Marley NZ also reinforced their long-standing reputation for excellence in training. With multiple recognitions over the years, this latest achievement adds to a proven track record of investing in people and capability.
At a celebratory morning tea attended by supervisors, workplace assessors, and apprentices, the award was accepted by General Manager Manufacturing and Technical John Scott and Manufacturing Manager Peter Sutcliffe on behalf of the wider team. The recognition clearly belonged to everyone in the room — those supporting, guiding, and learning every day. The occasion also highlighted the achievements of Marley’s Learner of the Year finalists, Manu Havea, Mounga Havea, and Junior Pomaniana, each backed by the support of their colleagues. Marley’s result reflects what can be achieved when a workplace genuinely commits to developing its people.
The Learner of the Year award recognised individual excellence, with Joshua Felise-Anderson of Pact Group Holdings Ltd (East Tamaki) taking top honours. Completing his Level 4 qualification, Joshua distinguished himself through his willingness to go above and beyond. He played a key role in change-management initiatives that helped introduce around 30 percent recycled content across Pact Group’s product range, while also contributing to improvements in food safety and quality standards.
Celebrated alongside family, colleagues, and managers, Joshua’s achievement was met with immense pride. The atmosphere at the morning tea spoke volumes about the impact he has made — not just through his work, but through the way he supports those around him.
