Above & Beyond
One NZ Employee Recognition Programme
Above & Beyond, One NZ’s employee recognition programme, needed a refresh. The original superhero concept had served its purpose – bold, bright and full of energy – but it no longer reflected where the brand was heading.
VISUAL IDENTITY | MOTION DESIGN | CONTENT PRODUCTION | VIDEO DIRECTION
The challenge was to retain the sense of “epic” while bringing the story back down to earth. The new creative had to feel more grounded, uniquely Kiwi and aligned with One NZ’s purpose – celebrating the people who embody Heart, Grit and Freedom in their everyday mahi.
Opportunity
Uno Loco created the original Above & Beyond programme five years ago, so this was a rare opportunity to reimagine our own work. It was a chance to evolve the story from spectacle to substance – to celebrate excellence in a way that felt authentic, emotional and deeply connected to Aotearoa.
Our response
We shifted the narrative from superheroes in the sky to earthly stars among us – those whose quiet brilliance illuminates One NZ from within. The refreshed identity takes its cues from nature, using waves of light and strands of harakeke (New Zealand flax) to represent energy, connection and the interwoven strength of people working together.
This organic visual language mirrors One NZ’s values – the courage of Heart, the determination of Grit, and the openness of Freedom. Each recognition moment was designed to feel personal and grounded, while still capturing the awe and inspiration that comes from celebrating someone truly exceptional.
What made it special
Having designed the original programme, it was special to revisit Above & Beyond and evolve it for a new chapter. Moving from the otherworldly to the organic allowed us to tell a more human story – one rooted in connection, culture and care.
Through light, texture and movement, the new identity celebrates the spirit that makes One NZ remarkable: the people who give their best every day, often quietly, sometimes behind the scenes. It’s proof that going above and beyond isn’t about reaching for the stars – it’s about realising the ones shining right here on earth.
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17
teams across the business
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220
winners across New Zealand
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23
locations