Coca-Cola’s Annual Long Service Awards

Chris Litchfield and Steven Harris at CCEP NZ
Chris Litchfield and Steven Harris at CCEP NZ Service Awards

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners New Zealand (CCEP NZ) has held its annual Service Awards at the Auckland War Memorial Museum to honour loyalty and long service to the company. The ceremony recognised employees in five-year increments and celebrated over 1,230 years of collective service.

“We are extremely proud of all the recipients of the Long Service Awards and are delighted to celebrate our people with this incredibly special event. We work really hard to be one of the most valued workplaces in New Zealand, and the fact we have so many significant anniversaries and collective hours of service is a testament to CCEP’s commitment to people and their growth,” said Clare Parkes, General Manager of People and Culture. 

“Our passion for our people has also seen CCEP recognised as one of New Zealand's best employers for several years running, which indicates we are on the right track in doing what’s right by our people.”

The longest serving team member celebrated this year was Territory Sales Manager Steven Harris, who celebrated 40 years with CCEP NZ. Beginning as a warehouse packer, his career has spanned an impressive range and variety of roles, encapsulating the diverse career paths and opportunities CCEP NZ has to offer.

There were also three honourees celebrating their 30th anniversary with CCEP NZ, including Toaga Mamoe, Operator in the Manufacturing division, Graham Thackery, Software Engineer in Vending Support Services, and Managing Director of CCEP New Zealand and Fiji, Chris Litchfield.

The event’s pre-function was a nod to the venue with a Night at the Museum pre-function exhibition including Peter the T-Rex, Jean Batten, Ragnar Lothbrok, and Rangi Topeora, with music from accomplished saxophonist, Lewis McCallum. Guests were then transported to a starry night Under the Dome with a Te Reo Māori and Matariki twist, complete with multiple surprise performances to keep them entertained throughout the night, including a haka to honour Chris Litchfield’s achievements, led by members of the Māori community and support of the Auckland-based team members.