Celebrating
New Zealand’s
Association
Leaders


The NZSAE Associations Matter Awards recognise the individuals and organisations strengthening membership bodies across Aotearoa New Zealand through leadership, initiative, service and sector impact.

Awards

Association of the Year – Impact Award 2026
Proudly supported by Rotorua Business Events.

Association of the Year – Impact Award 2026 Finalists

NZSAE is delighted to announce the finalists for the Association of the Year – Impact Award.

This award recognises associations that have made a significant and meaningful impact for their members, sector, profession, industry or wider community.

Congratulations to our 2026 finalists:

EMA (Employers and Manufacturers Association)

Engineering New Zealand

Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network

New Zealand Institute of Safety Management Inc

The winner will be announced at the NZSAE Associations Matter Awards Dinner on Monday 3 August 2026.

Association Leader of the Year 2026 Finalists

NZSAE is delighted to announce the finalists for the Association Leader of the Year 2026.

This award recognises outstanding association leaders who have demonstrated strong leadership, service, influence and commitment to their organisation, members, sector or profession.

Congratulations to our 2026 finalists:

Gillian Blythe
Chief Executive, Water New Zealand

Dr Grant Davidson, PhD
Chief Executive Officer, Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network

Dr Richard Templer FEngNZ
Chief Executive, Engineering New Zealand Te Ao Rangahau

Siobhan Molloy
Executive Director - Kaiwhakahaere Matua, New Zealand Speech-language Therapists' Association

The winner will be announced at the NZSAE Associations Matter Awards Dinner on Monday 3 August 2026.

Awards

Association Leader of the Year 2026
Proudly supported by Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre. 

Awards

Emerging Leader of the Year 2026
Proudly supported by New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC).

Emerging Leader of the Year 2026 Finalists

Emerging Leader of the Year 2026 FinalistsNZSAE is delighted to announce the finalists for the Emerging Leader of the Year 2026.

This award recognises rising leaders within the association sector who are already making a meaningful contribution through their initiative, professionalism, leadership and commitment to their organisation and members.

Congratulations to our 2026 finalists:

Lydia Butler
Business Transformation Manager, EMA (Employers and Manufacturers Association)

Michelle Dogra
Services Coordinator, Steel Construction New Zealand

Nicole Adams
Digital Marketing Manager, EMA  (Employers and Manufacturers Association)

Trina Edwards
Events and Marketing Manager, Tuia Pito Ora New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects

The winner will be announced at the NZSAE Associations Matter Awards Dinner on Monday 3 August 2026.

Member Engagement Award 2026 Finalists

NZSAE is delighted to announce the finalists for the Association of the Year – Member Engagement Award 2026.

This award recognises associations that have demonstrated strong, innovative and meaningful engagement with their members, helping to strengthen connection, participation, value and belonging.

Congratulations to our 2026 finalists:

Cosmetics New Zealand

EMA  (Employers and Manufacturers Association)

Property Council New Zealand

Steel Construction New Zealand

The winner will be announced at the NZSAE Associations Matter Awards Dinner on Monday 3 August 2026.

Awards

Member Engagement Award 2026
Proudly supported by Millennium Hotels and Resorts.

Join Us To Celebrate

The finalists and winners will be recognised as part of the NZSAE Associations Matter Conference 2026 and at the Associations Matter Awards Dinner.

Join association leaders, sector colleagues, partners and supporters as we come together to celebrate the people and organisations strengthening New Zealand’s association community.

Awards Leader
Awards Impact
Awards Emerging
Awards Execelnce