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GO Rentals, New Zealand’s largest independent rental car company, has won the Medium Workplace category at the national 2026 Best Places to Work™ Awards, recognising its commitment to employee experience, career development and a culture that supports strong customer and business outcomes.
The award was announced on October 22. Judges praised the connection between how GO supports its people and how the business performs, highlighting its continued focus on listening to employees, creating career pathways and giving teams ownership of improvements as the organisation grows.
Helen Osborne, head of People & Talent at GO Rentals, says the recognition belongs to people across the business.
“We’re immensely proud of this award because it recognises something our people contribute to every day. Our managers and teams across New Zealand make GO a place where people feel supported, can share their ideas and see opportunities to grow.
“We listen to what matters to our people and use that feedback to improve how we work. That includes practical support, investment in learning and development, and opportunities for career growth and development.
GO’s approach includes its Future Leaders Programme, GO Lead training, nationally recognised ServiceIQ qualifications and a bespoke learning and onboarding platform. Employee feedback helps shape workplace improvements, while wellbeing initiatives respond to practical needs, including staff accommodation in Queenstown and subsidised public transport in Auckland.
Around 70% of the team have been with the business for more than two years, with staff turnover running at around half the typical tourism sector rate. For trade partners, that means experienced people at the counter who know the product, the regions and how to look after visitors.
That investment shows up in customer results. GO’s Net Promoter Score reached +87 in September 2026, up from +82 in FY26, while employee engagement has averaged 86% over the past 18 months.
GO Rentals chief executive John Osborne says the result matters to the partners who send customers GO’s way.
“Our trade partners are trusting us with their customers’ holiday. A team that’s settled, well trained and backed by the business is the best way we can deliver for them.”
The judges described GO as “a great example of people and performance going hand in hand”.
“In car rental, our people shape the experience customers have with us every day,” Helen says. “Giving them the support, skills and confidence to do their jobs well makes a difference to them, our customers and the business.”
