Verian is delighted to announce that our team in New Zealand have taken four top awards at the Research Association Awards (REAWARDS): Supreme Award, Gold Award for Social, Community, and Not for Profit, and the Ovation Research Rising Star Award, as well as receiving a silver award in the Financial Services category for our work with the Commerce Commission
The REAWARDS, organised by Research Association New Zealand, celebrates research effectiveness across the diverse industry. With a competitive lineup, these recognitions spotlight the meaningful and impactful work that we’re committed to deliver for clients.
Verian was named winner of the prestigious Supreme Award – the highest accolade of the night – and took gold in the Social, Community and Not for Profit category for their work on the ‘Love Better’ campaign, developed with the Ministry of Social Development (MSD).
The ‘Love Better’ campaign was initiated by MSD to equip young people with the knowledge, tools and capabilities to navigate and stop harm in relationships. Our team played a crucial role in shaping how the campaign could earn the permission to engage in young people’s lives and providing the evidence for the Ministry to say ‘yes’ to one of the most ambitious public sector campaigns of recent times.
The campaign successfully resonated with young people, with our data showing that over one third of young people have seen it, three quarters feel positive about it, and half find it helpful.
Furthermore, our team observed major shifts in how young people approach breakups. Young people are now significantly more willing and able to seek help, view breakups more positively, are less accepting of hurtful behaviours, and more able to handle the challenges of break ups.
Judges of the award highlighted: “The scale and difficulty of the challenge of equipping youth with the knowledge, tools and capability to navigate and stop harm in relationships. The comprehensive and collaborative approach to the research and campaign development, the audaciousness of the campaign itself and the results all make Verian and the MSD worthy winners of the Supreme Research Effectiveness Award for 2024. This campaign and its research foundations are getting noticed worldwide because they positively impact society”.
Additionally, Jordan Ogilvy Lapish, Senior Qualitative and Cultural Insights Specialist at Verian, was awarded the Ovation Research Rising Star Award.
In his role, Jordan ensures that our research processes engage with Māori in a culturally safe manner and integrates key cultural concepts during the analysis and reporting.
Judges noted: “Jordan exemplifies exceptional technical expertise as a qualitative researcher and has been a key driver in advancing culturally responsive, mana-enhancing research practices.
As a leading figure in Verian’s Cultural Insights Practice, his ability to integrate Te Ao Pākehā and Te Ao Māori is already reshaping the perception of research among Pasifika and Indigenous communities in Aotearoa and with clients. Beyond his role, Jordan has shown strong leadership by mentoring colleagues and deepening their understanding of Te Ao Māori.
The judges were impressed by Jordan’s depth of performance across all criteria, particularly his influence on transforming the industry and his commitment to change. His leadership, mentoring, and innovation with participants, clients, and staff stood out, making him a clear choice for our Rising Star for 2024.
Jordan’s work promises to drive lasting impact, both within the research industry and beyond.”
Gavin Bain, APAC CEO, commented:
“Winning these prestigious awards underscores Verian’s commitment to delivering impactful research that truly makes a difference in people’s lives. I am incredibly proud of our team’s dedication to empowering young people through the ‘Love Better’ campaign and to Jordan for his exceptional contributions to culturally responsive research. Together, we are driving positive change and reshaping perceptions across communities in New Zealand and beyond.”