The Manufacturing Leader of the Year Award recognises visionary individuals whose leadership drives excellence, innovation and long-term impact within their organisations and across the wider manufacturing community.

Supported by Lawson Williams Consulting Group, the category celebrates leaders who not only deliver results but also build capability, empower teams and shape the future of New Zealand manufacturing.

A Category Recognising Leadership at Every Level

The award acknowledges leaders who demonstrate:

  • Clear strategic direction
  • Strong communication and people‑focused leadership
  • Investment in capability, training and continuous improvement
  • Demonstrated organisational impact
  • Commitment to innovation and industry advancement

2026 Judges

A respected judging panel brings deep manufacturing, leadership and sector expertise to the category:

  • Alan Sutcliffe
  • John Lawson

Together, they assess nominations with a focus on authenticity, impact, and the leadership behaviours that enable enduring organisational success.

Sponsor Spotlight: Lawson Williams

As long‑standing champions of leadership development in manufacturing, Lawson Williams’ support reflects more than sponsorship—it reflects decades of partnership with the sector.

Lawson Williams notes:

“New Zealand manufacturers are innovative, flexible and highly capable. Strong leadership is what turns that capability into long‑term success. These awards help surface those stories and strengthen the culture of connection and learning across the sector.”

Their commitment to supporting the category reinforces their belief that great leadership is central to building resilient, competitive and future‑focused organisations.

Previous Winner Feature: Nathan Hay – 2025 Manufacturing Leader of the Year

Last year’s winner, Nathan Hay of Argus Manutech, has set a high bar for leadership excellence. Reflecting on his experience, he describes winning the award as a defining moment:

“It recognised what our team has built together. At Argus, wins are shared—this award belonged to everyone.”

The impact of the recognition was immediate and significant. Visibility soared, leading to increased enquiries and high-profile visits from national and international leaders—including the Prime Minister, Minister for Manufacturing, EU Ambassador, and NASA’s Deputy Director.

Nathan notes that the award strengthened team belief:

“It proved that a privately owned local manufacturer can stand alongside major industry players. The sense of pride across the team was huge.”

Leadership Insights from Nathan Hay

Over the past year, he found that the fundamentals mattered most:

  • Clear, frequent communication
  • Empowering people to take ownership
  • Investing in training and capability
  • Staying curious and learning from others
  • Backing yourself despite moments of self‑doubt

His advice for 2026 nominators is simple:

“Back your people. Don’t assume you’re too small or not ready. Strong applications are honest, specific and show real impact.”

Why This Award Matters

Leadership continues to be one of the greatest drivers of performance and transformation in New Zealand manufacturing. Whether through technology adoption, workforce development or culture‑building, strong leaders lay the foundation for long-term resilience and success.

The Manufacturing Leader of the Year Award recognises these individuals—the ones driving change, lifting capability and inspiring the next generation.

For more information:

Please contact [email protected] to request an information pack and entry forms

Other Award Categories to enter

Excellence in Process Innovation

Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year

Emerging Manufacturing Leader of the Year

Manufacturer of the Year (FTE 50+)

Manufacturer of the Year (FTE <50)