Fletcher Building gets 'Rainbow Tick' endorsement

Workers on a Fletcher Building site. The company, New Zealand's largest construction firm, has just achieved 'Rainbow Tick' certification. Photo / Natalie Slade

Fletcher Building has become the first company of its kind to achieve Rainbow Tick certification.

The construction company underwent a six-month auditing process to achieve inclusive LGBTI (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex)-friendly status, something that Fletcher CEO Mark Adamson said he is proud of.

To achieve Rainbow Tick certification, Rainbow Tick's non-profit organiser Michael Steven said the company was marked against a criteria based on international best practice.

The criteria included areas of governance and strategy, staff engagement, data collection, and engagement with focus groups to get a greater understanding of work processes.

Fletcher held an event last week to celebrate the achievement with its staff.

Steven said he was initially taken back when the construction company contacted him.

"We were surprised when Fletcher Building contacted us as we hadn't thought to approach a construction company which shows even at the Rainbow Tick, we need to challenge our own stereotypes of what sort of organisations want to be inclusive."

He praised the company on its achievement, adding the company is now a welcoming workplace suitable for all New Zealanders.

Fletcher Building CEO Mark Adamson said his team worked hard to achieve this status.

"As the chairman of Fletcher Building's Diversity Council it makes me proud we have achieved this certification as it's an indication of the importance we place on diversity in our workplace."

ASB Bank, ANZ Banking Group, Westpac, Sky City, Sovereign Energy and Coca-Cola Amatil also hold 'Rainbow Tick' certifications.