Toyota New Zealand tops Kantar Corporate Reputation Index

AUCKLAND, Today: Toyota New Zealand topped the Kantar Corporate Reputation Index, moving up three places, embodying its slogan Let’s go places.

Pak’nSave and Air New Zealand secured second and third places.

The Kantar Index uses the RepZ framework, focusing on Trust (35%), Leadership/Success (25%), Fairness (23%), and Responsibility (16%).

The 2024 survey rated New Zealand’s top 50 consumer-facing companies.

Toyota scored 111, up three points. Pak’nSave scored 110, while Air New Zealand, Mitre 10, and Bunnings scored 108.

Kantar Insights Chief Client Officer Sarah Bolger noted Toyota’s rise in Trust and Fairness since 2022 and high Leadership scores.

“Trust is the biggest driver of reputation followed by Leadership. Toyota topped the Trust pillar just ahead of Air New Zealand with both on 113 for that attribute. Pak’nSave, in second place overall, continued its dominance of the Fairness pillar with a score of 122, just ahead of Kmart on 121.”

“We strive day in and out to earn the trust of Kiwis in every interaction. This recognition is a testament to our focus on customer service excellence.” – Sarah Bolger

Bolger added, “Strong performing companies are mindful of the issues and concerns held by the public and address them in an authentic way.” Toyota New Zealand CEO Neeraj Lala was proud of topping the Index.

“We strive day in and out to earn the trust of Kiwis in every interaction. This recognition is a testament to our focus on customer service excellence, ensuring mobility for all, and supporting the communities we operate in.”

He mentioned Toyota’s community involvement through its 60 Toitū EnviroMark Gold certified stores and various health and conservation initiatives.

Foodstuffs New Zealand Managing Director Chris Quin praised Pak’nSave’s performance amid grocery sector challenges.

“Our policy is New Zealand’s lowest food prices and with high-cost inflation and weather disasters that’s been a challenge. We never stop looking for ways we can keep costs down so we can pass on savings.”

“For PAK’nSAVE to rank first for fairness for eight consecutive years and to have moved up to second place overall in the Kantar Corporate Reputation Index, shows we’re making a difference.”

“Corporate reputation has never been more important or more challenging. We have seen issues that have tested the resilience and integrity of corporations globally.” – Nikki Wright

Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran was proud of their 10 Year Award from Kantar for consistent top reputation scores.

“Air New Zealand exists to enrich our country by connecting New Zealanders to each other and New Zealand to the world. Hardworking and dedicated Air New Zealanders come to work each day with that purpose and our success comes from helping New Zealanders succeed and thrive at home and overseas.”

Wright Communications Managing Director Nikki Wright stressed the importance of the Kantar Index for evaluating corporate reputation in New Zealand.

“Corporate reputation has never been more important or more challenging. We have seen issues that have tested the resilience and integrity of corporations globally.”

This year’s survey added a section on corporate communication. Wright noted that 43% of New Zealanders trust independent articles and reviews most.

Recommendations from friends or family (31%), Government-backed information sites (28%), expert opinions (27%), and consumer reviews (23%) followed.

“Regardless of the source, independent, unbiased viewpoints and informed experience and expertise underpin trust across all age groups,” said Wright.