LAB3 wins Microsoft NZ Partner Award for cloud & AI services
LAB3 has received the 2025 Microsoft New Zealand Partner of the Year Award, recognised for its work in cloud and artificial intelligence (AI) services supporting New Zealand enterprises and public sector agencies. The company was selected from more than 4,600 nominees spanning over 100 countries.
Award recognition
The award honours technology companies that deliver customer solutions based on Microsoft platforms and services. LAB3's focus has been on the implementation of secure cloud infrastructure and AI-driven capabilities aimed at improving data protection and operational outcomes for clients in both the private and public sectors.
Cloud and AI focus
LAB3 has worked alongside Microsoft to assist organisations in modernising legacy technology environments. Efforts have centred on moving critical workloads to the cloud and launching AI solutions that adhere to regulatory requirements around data governance and personal information management. The company's work includes providing technical frameworks and operational guidance for the scalable use of AI.
Client partnerships
New Zealand enterprises and government agencies have used LAB3's services to reinforce security and unlock additional commercial value using cloud and AI tools. A central part of LAB3's approach is collaborating with Microsoft's national and global teams.
"The Award win really comes down to the 'Number 8 Wire' mentality of our Kiwi clients and their foresight in identifying the need to drive AI innovation," said Kerry Purcell, CEO, LAB3.
Purcell explained that the process extends beyond technical deployments to include strategies for organisations handling personal data and needing to ensure compliance as they scale their use of AI. He acknowledged both the client teams and Microsoft's local involvement as contributors to the company's achievements in the market.
Ongoing engagement
LAB3's leadership said the recognition stems from ongoing collaboration with Microsoft locally in New Zealand and at the corporate level. LAB3 was previously acknowledged with a Microsoft Growth Partner Award in Australia in 2020.
"Winning Country Partner of the Year is deeply rewarding for the LAB3 team," said Tayla Kaa, Alliance Partner, LAB3.
Kaa noted LAB3's history of supporting New Zealand organisations with cloud modernisation initiatives. She stressed the benefit of combining LAB3's engineering capabilities with Microsoft's broader technology platforms for clients in the region.
Microsoft perspective
"Congratulations to all the winners and finalists of the 2025 Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards," said Nicole Dezen, Chief Partner Officer and Corporate Vice President at Microsoft.