New Zealand manufacturing excellence will take centre stage at the Minister for Manufacturing Awards 2026 — and we invite you to join the celebration.

Advancing Manufacturing Aotearoa is proud to recognise the exceptional calibre of finalists this year. Their achievements reflect a sector continuing to perform under sustained global and workforce pressures, responding with innovation, adaptability, and determination. These finalists are not only navigating challenging conditions — they are setting new benchmarks for excellence across the industry.

This year’s awards also celebrate the people shaping the future of manufacturing in Aotearoa — from apprentices beginning their careers, to emerging leaders driving change, and senior industry leaders leading strategy and transformation. Together, they showcase the depth of talent and strength of leadership within New Zealand manufacturing.

Hon. Cameron Brewer, Minister for Small Business & Manufacturing, will officiate the awards ceremony on 27 May 2026 at EMEX, the North Island’s premier trade event for manufacturing, engineering, and technology, held at Auckland Showgrounds.

Join us as we celebrate the businesses and individuals strengthening New Zealand manufacturing and inspiring the next generation of industry leadership.

Secure your tickets and celebrate the future of manufacturing with us.

The 2026 finalists are:

Manufacturing Excellence in Process Innovation award – supported by Swell

  1. Lanaco (Auckland)
  2. Architectural Glass Products (Cambridge, Waikato)
  3. Free Flow Manufacturing (Auckland)
  4. Fonterra (Nationwide)

Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year Award – supported by Enztec

  1. Tanner Landon – Oasis Engineering (Western Bay of Plenty)
  2. Sam Boakes-Lark – MitchPine (Levin)
  3. Devin Gibson – Culham Engineering (Whangarei)
  4. Ben Worthington - Bluefix Boatworks (Opua, Bay of Islands)

Emerging Manufacturing Leader of the Year Award

  1. Tyler Thurston – Free Flow Manufacturing (Auckland)
  2. Andy Reid – Dodson Group (Auckland)
  3. Dmitrey Carruthers – Gisborne Engineering (Gisborne)
  4. Oliver Hunt - Medsalv (Christchurch)

Manufacturing Leader of the Year – supported by Lawson Williams

  1. Johno Williams – Patton Engineering (Hastings)
  2. Bill Pridham – Barkers Fruit Processors (Geraldine, South Canterbury)
  3. Deanne Holdsworth – PACT Group (Nationwide)

Manufacturer of the Year <FTE under 50> - supported by BNZ

  1. The Fairlie Bakehouse (Fairlie, Canterbury)
  2. Lanaco (Auckland)
  3. United Machinists (Dunedin)
  4. Arotec Diagnostics (Hutt Valley, Wellington Region)

Manufacturer of the Year <FTE 50+>

  1. Architectural Glass Products (Cambridge, Waikato)
  2. PACT Group (Nationwide)
  3. Dawn Aerospace (Christchurch)
  4. Barkers Fruit Processors (Geraldine, South Canterbury)
  5. Vitaco (Auckland)
  6. RML Machinery (Hamilton, Waikato)

Congratulations to all finalists. We look forward to showcasing your achievements at the: EMEX Exhibition, Auckland Showgrounds Wednesday 27 May 4:30pm - 7:30pm

Guests are welcome to arrive early to explore the EMEX - New Zealand's largest manufacturing, engineering & technology exhibition.

4:30pm Guests are ushered into the Awards Event space for VIP networking with beverage & canapes service before the official awards ceremony commences.

5:30pm The awards presentation will commence promptly with a welcome by MC David Downs.

Secure your tickets via the event link above.

For information on the awards event, contact Catherine Lye CEO, AMA +64-21-636-219 [email protected]