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2026 Finalists
Congratulations to the exceptional leaders recognised for their contribution to communities, organisations and industries across Aotearoa. We look forward to celebrating all finalists, with winners announced at the Awards Gala on 10 September. Finalist announcement schedule: 2 July: Emerging Leader of the Year 22 July: All remaining award categories
Anmol Chawla
Clinical Director, The Psychology Group
Board Member & Trustee, Voices of Hope
Caitlin Hughes
Operations Manager, Wellness Support Team, Tamaki Health
Renee Smith-Apanui
Pou Tāhū Managing Director, ŌRUA
Director Capability Development Oversight, Department of Conservation
Board Associate, Te Arataura Waikato-Tainui
Board Member, Toi Tangata
Pou Tāhū Managing Director, ŌRUA
Director Capability Development Oversight, Department of Conservation
Board Associate, Te Arataura Waikato-Tainui
Board Member, Toi Tangata
Taxi SME Business Leadership Award
To be announced
To be announced
To be announced
SkyCity ED&I Leadership Award
To be announced
To be announced
To be announced
NZ Super Fund Māori Business Leadership Award
To be announced
To be announced
To be announced
City Cleaning Public Sector Leadership Award
To be announced
To be announced
To be announced
Pasifika Leadership Award
To be announced
To be announced
To be announced
Anthony Harper Community Leadership Award
To be announced
To be announced
To be announced
Entelar Group Large Business Leadership Award
To be announced
To be announced
To be announced
Steinlager Entrepreneur/Start-Up Leadership Award
To be announced
To be announced
To be announced
Not-For-Profit Leadership Award
To be announced
To be announced
To be announced
Hnry Innovation Leadership Award
To be announced
To be announced
To be announced
Congratulations to our finalists
A huge congratulations to all of this year’s finalists. We’re excited to celebrate with you at the Awards Gala, a special night recognising the people shaping the future of business and beyond.