The Minister for Manufacturing Awards 2026 launched in 2025 to recognise and celebrate the outstanding individuals and businesses driving the success of New Zealand’s manufacturing sector.
These prestigious awards aim to honour the people and companies that set benchmarks for excellence, inspiring others to raise their standards and contributing to the long-term prosperity of the sector. New Zealand’s manufacturing sector is the engine room of the economy, fostering innovation, creating high-value jobs, and contributing to both local and global markets. As the sector faces evolving challenges—including access to high skilled technical labour, technological advancements, sustainability demands and shifting market conditions—recognising excellence in manufacturing has never been more important.
The Minister for Manufacturing Awards will shine a light on the exceptional people and businesses whose efforts drive productivity, workforce prosperity and global competitiveness of the sector.
Hon Chris Penk - Minister for Small Business & Manufacturing will officiate the awards ceremony that will take place on 27th May 2026 at EMEX (Auckland Showgrounds), the North Island’s premier industry trade event, which showcases the latest developments in manufacturing, engineering, and technology. The launch of these awards marked a significant milestone in the ongoing growth and development of New Zealand’s manufacturing industry, reinforcing its potential to succeed in an increasingly competitive global marketplace.
