The New Zealand Leadership Awards 2026

Following an outstanding response to this year's nominations, the judging process is in its final stages. The full list of finalists will be announced and ticket sales will open on 22 July 2026.

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Join us at the NZICC on 10 September for a black tie evening celebrating New Zealand's outstanding leaders.

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Finalists Announcement

See the individuals leading the future of work in New Zealand.

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Judging panel

View the esteemed panel of judges for NZLA 2026.

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Recognising exceptional leadership in Aotearoa

In 2026, The New Zealand Leadership Awards returns for its third year, celebrating those leaders who have not only navigated change but have used it to inspire progress. These awards stand as a platform for recognising professionals who exemplify excellence in leadership and impact within their fields.

In an ever-evolving business landscape, effective leadership remains the cornerstone of success. Across all sectors, individuals continue to rise to the challenges, driving innovation, resilience, and growth within their organisations.

We are proud to once again celebrate existing and emerging leaders who are shaping the future of our nation.

The countdown to The New Zealand Leadership Awards 2026 is on

Following the announcement of our Emerging Leader of the Year finalists, judging is now underway across the remaining categories. The full list of finalists and gala ticket details will be released on Wednesday 22 July.

Join us on 10 September at the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) for a black tie evening celebrating leadership excellence, where this year's winners will be unveiled.

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Our panel of expert judges

We're thrilled to announce our judging panel for the New Zealand Leadership Awards 2026.

Featuring industry leaders such as Michael Hendriksen, Dr Mai Chen, Rob Coneybeer and more, our panel brings unparalleled expertise and a deep commitment to fostering leadership and business growth in New Zealand.

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Award categories

Hnry x NZLA

"At Hnry, we believe great leadership removes barriers and empowers people to do their best work. Supporting the Robert Walters Leadership Awards allows us to celebrate those setting the standard and shaping the future of leadership in Aotearoa."

- James Fuller, CEO & Co-Founder

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Robert Walters x Hnry partnership

The awards process

Nomination phase

Simply nominate yourself or an exceptional leader through our submission platform Award Force. The process is straightforward, involving just one question. It's designed to respect your time, requiring only a few minutes for submission.

Judging process

Each nomination will be reviewed by a panel of industry experts and leaders, who will determine the award category shortlist. Shortlisted nominees will then be invited to an interview with the judging panel, providing an opportunity to further showcase their leadership experiences.

Awards ceremony

Finalists will be invited to our black-tie awards night in Auckland, taking place in September 2026. This event is an opportunity for networking and recognition among peers. It's an evening dedicated to leadership excellence in Aotearoa.

Key dates

Nominations open: 2 March - 01 May
Shortlisting round: 04 May - 29 May
Interview round: From 01 June - 17 July
Emerging Leader public voting: 8 June - 1 July
Finalists announced: 22 July
Ticket sales released: 23 July - 28 August
Awards evening: 10 September

2025 Winners

2025 Finalists

2026 Sponsors

Headline sponsor

Award category sponsors

Charity partner

Robert Walters is proud to partner with The Graeme Dingle Foundation, an organisation dedicated to nurturing New Zealand's future leaders.

Through education and adventure-based learning, the Foundation inspires self-confidence, self-belief, and leadership skills in young people. We are excited to support their mission and contribute to the growth of tomorrow’s leaders.

Learn more about our partnership

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Media Partner

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Connecting leaders and employers through executive search

Great leadership doesn’t just shape organisations, it defines their future. For over 40 years, we’ve specialised in identifying exceptional leaders and connecting them with organisations where they can truly thrive. Trusted by employers and executives alike, we align vision, capability, and ambition across New Zealand and globally.

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Our executive search service connects forward-thinking organisations with outstanding leadership talent. Get in touch to find out more.

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Read our Capability Document

FAQs

When will the New Zealand Leadership Awards take place?

The New Zealand Leadership Awards will be held on the 10th of September 2026 at the New Zealand International Convention Centre.
Who can be nominated for the New Zealand Leadership Awards?

Anyone can be nominated for the New Zealand Leadership Awards. Whether you are an individual looking to showcase your own leadership skills or a professional wanting to nominate someone you believe deserves recognition for their outstanding existing or emerging leadership qualities, we encourage everyone to participate.
How long will nominations be open for?

Nominations will be open for a two-month period, from 02 March - 01 May 2026
What is the nomination process?

Nominations are initially submitted through a form on our submission platform, Awards Force. Shortlisted candidates from the first round will be notified and asked to provide additional information, such as supporting documents, website links, or other relevant materials.
How will the judging process work?

The judging process begins with panels reviewing the shortlisted nominations in detail. Each award category will have its own panel of judges, comprised of industry experts and leaders in their respective fields. Based on their assessments, the panels will select candidates to move forward to the interview stage. During the interviews, judges will conduct an in-depth evaluation of each nominee’s leadership skills, achievements, and potential.
Who will be judging the New Zealand Leadership Awards?

The judging for the New Zealand Leadership Awards will be conducted by a panel of high-calibre individuals. We want to ensure that the judging process is credible and that all finalists and winners are chosen by a diverse and experienced group of professionals.
Can I nominate someone who is not currently working in an organisation?

Yes! The New Zealand Leadership Awards celebrate leadership in all forms. Nominate individuals who have shown remarkable leadership qualities, regardless of their employment status.
Will there be any opportunities for sponsorship or partnership with the New Zealand Leadership Awards?

Yes, we welcome sponsorship and partnership opportunities for the New Zealand Leadership Awards. If you or your organisation are interested in becoming a sponsor or collaborating with us to support this event, please reach out to our team: nzleadershipawards@robertwalters.co.nz

The New Zealand Leadership Awards 2026

Secure your tickets today

Finalists Announcement

Judging panel

Recognising exceptional leadership in Aotearoa

The countdown to The New Zealand Leadership Awards 2026 is on

Our panel of expert judges

Award categories

Hnry x NZLA

The awards process

Nomination phase

Judging process

Awards ceremony

Key dates

Sponsors

Headline sponsor

Award category sponsors

Charity partner

Media Partner

Connecting leaders and employers through executive search

FAQs

When will the New Zealand Leadership Awards take place?

Who can be nominated for the New Zealand Leadership Awards?

How long will nominations be open for?

What is the nomination process?

How will the judging process work?

Who will be judging the New Zealand Leadership Awards?

Can I nominate someone who is not currently working in an organisation?

Will there be any opportunities for sponsorship or partnership with the New Zealand Leadership Awards?