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.
The Minister for Manufacturing Awards 2026 will feature seven key categories:
🏆 Excellence in Process Innovation – Recognising innovative manufacturing processes that improve efficiency, sustainability, and product quality. Supported by: Swell
🏆 Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year – Honouring the achievements of an outstanding apprentice who shows exceptional promise and skill in the manufacturing industry. Supported by: Enztec
🏆 Manufacturing Leader of the Year – Recognising leaders who have made a significant impact on their business and the industry through visionary leadership and strategic growth. Supported by: Lawson Williams Consulting
🏆 Emerging Leader of the Year – Recognising a rising leader who is making a strong impact early in their leadership journey.
🏆 Manufacturer of the Year (FTE 50+) – Awarded to a business demonstrating excellence in production, innovation, and overall contribution to the industry.
🏆 Manufacturer of the Year (FTE <50) – Awarded to a business demonstrating excellence in production, innovation, and overall contribution to the industry. Supported by: BNZ
🏆 Manufacturing Lifetime and Legacy – Recognises pioneers, mentors, innovators, and leaders whose impact is felt by the community for generations to come.
Key Dates
- Nominations/Entries Opened: 23 February
- Nominations/Entries Close: 31 March
- Finalists Announced: 29 April
- Winners Announced: 27 May
