The countdown is on for the launch of the second annual Minister for Manufacturing Awards which will be held at the Auckland Showgrounds on 27th May. The Minister for Manufacturing Awards will be hosted by Hon Chris Penk in collaboration with Advancing Manufacturing Aotearoa.

“The creativity and resilience of the sector, and its contribution to national prosperity deserve to be celebrated. This year’s awards will again recognise the Manufacturer of the Year, Manufacturing Leader of the Year, Apprentice of the Year and Excellence in Process Innovation. It will also introduce three new categories. This includes a dedicated Manufacturer of the Year award for businesses with fewer than 50 Full Time Equivalent Employees (FTEs). With around 97 percent of manufacturers falling into this group, opening a new category ensures small businesses receive the recognition they deserve. An Emerging Manufacturer Leader of the Year award is also being added to shine a spotlight on the next generation of innovators and trailblazers, alongside a Manufacturing Lifetime & Legacy Award to honour those who have shaped the sector into what it is today. Entries for the 2026 awards open on 23 February until 31 March, and I encourage manufacturers to join in celebrating their successes by making a submission.” - Hon Chris Penk, Minister for Manufacturing

We are delighted to welcome the sponsors who make this recognition possible across the following award categories:

  • Emerging Manufacturing Leader of the Year - recognising a rising leader who is making a strong impact early in their leadership journey.

  • 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 Group “By supporting these awards, we want to help build a culture of learning and connection. We want businesses to celebrate their progress, learn from each other, and build networks that make the sector stronger.” - John Lawson - Director, Lawson Williams

  • 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 “I started my career as an apprentice. That foundation led me to lead a business employing over 100 technical people. Supporting apprentices today means building the leaders of tomorrow.” - Iain McMillan, CEO Enztec

  • Manufacturer of the Year (FTE 50+) – awarded to a business demonstrating excellence in design, innovation, production, and overall contribution to the industry

  • Manufacturer of the Year (FTE under 50) – awarded to a business demonstrating excellence in design, innovation, production, and overall contribution to the industry. Supported by: BNZ “BNZ is sponsoring Advancing Manufacturing Aotearoa because advanced manufacturing is critical to NZ's productivity, innovation, and export growth. This partnership aligns with our focus on backing businesses that are investing in technology, skills and global competitiveness and supporting a sector that creates high value jobs and long-term economic growth and resilience for Aotearoa" - Brandon Jackson - General Manager Growth Sectors, BNZ

  • Excellence in Process Innovation – recognising innovative manufacturing processes that improve operational efficiency, sustainability and product quality. Supported by: Swell Group “New Zealand has manufacturers doing genuinely world-class work, and we should be celebrating that more loudly” - Michael Barry Head of Growth, Swell

  • Manufacturing Lifetime & Legacy Award – honouring those who have shaped the sector into what it is today.

We thank our sponsors for their dedication to advancing manufacturing and look forward to celebrating excellence together with as many members as possible at the award ceremony 27th May 2026 held at EMEX.

As Enztec shared, “It’s a good chance to recognise an important sector. We need to be promoting it more and telling positive stories. Positivity breeds positivity—and that’s how we change perceptions.”

Entries Open Monday 23 February.

Requests for Award Category Information Packs can be directed to [email protected]