Minister for Manufacturing Awards 2026

New Zealand manufacturing excellence will take centre stage at the Minister for Manufacturing Awards 2026 — and we invite you to join the celebration.

Advancing Manufacturing Aotearoa is proud to recognise the exceptional calibre of finalists this year. Their achievements reflect a sector continuing to perform under sustained global and workforce pressures, responding with innovation, adaptability, and determination. These finalists are not only navigating challenging conditions — they are setting new benchmarks for excellence across the industry.

This year’s awards also celebrate the people shaping the future of manufacturing in Aotearoa — from apprentices beginning their careers, to emerging leaders driving change, and senior industry leaders leading strategy and transformation. Together, they showcase the depth of talent and strength of leadership within New Zealand manufacturing.

Hon. Cameron Brewer, Minister for Small Business & Manufacturing, will officiate the awards ceremony on 27 May 2026 at EMEX, the North Island’s premier trade event for manufacturing, engineering, and technology, held at Auckland Showgrounds.

Join us as we celebrate the businesses and individuals strengthening New Zealand manufacturing and inspiring the next generation of industry leadership.

Guests are welcome to arrive early to explore the EMEX - New Zealand's largest manufacturing, engineering & technology exhibition.

4:30pm Guests are ushered into the Awards Event space for VIP networking with beverage & canapes service before official awards ceremony commences.

5:30pm The awards programme will commence promptly with a welcome by MC David Downs and an address by the Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing, Hon Cameron Brewer.

These prestigious awards aim to honour the people and companies that set benchmarks for excellence, inspiring others to raise their standards and contributing to the long-term prosperity of the sector.

The Minister for Manufacturing Awards will shine a light on the exceptional people and businesses whose efforts drive productivity, workforce prosperity and global competitiveness of the sector.

The launch of these awards in 2025 marked a significant milestone in the ongoing growth and development of New Zealand’s manufacturing industry, reinforcing its potential to succeed in an increasingly competitive global marketplace.

The Minister for Manufacturing Awards 2026 finalists are:

🏆 Excellence in Process Innovation – Recognising innovative manufacturing processes that improve efficiency, sustainability, and product quality. Supported by: Swell

1. Lanaco (Auckland)

2. Architectural Glass Products (Cambridge, Waikato)

3. Free Flow Manufacturing (Auckland)

4. Fonterra (Nationwide)

🏆 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

1. Tanner Landon – Oasis Engineering (Western Bay of Plenty)

2. Sam Boakes-Lark – MitchPine (Levin)

3. Devin Gibson – Culham Engineering (Whangarei)

4. Ben Worthington - Bluefix Boatworks (Opua, Bay of Islands)

🏆 Emerging Manufacturing Leader of the Year – Recognising a rising leader who is making a strong impact early in their leadership journey.

1. Tyler Thurston – Free Flow Manufacturing (Auckland)

2. Andy Reid – Dodson Group (Auckland)

3. Dmitrey Carruthers – Gisborne Engineering (Gisborne)

4. Oliver Hunt - Medsalv (Christchurch)

🏆 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

1. Johno Williams – Patton Engineering (Hastings)

2. Bill Pridham – Barkers Fruit Processors (Geraldine, South Canterbury)

3. Deanne Holdsworth – PACT Group (Nationwide)

🏆 Manufacturer of the Year (FTE <50) – Awarded to a business demonstrating excellence in production, innovation, and overall contribution to the industry. Supported by: BNZ

1. The Fairlie Bakehouse (Fairlie, Canterbury)

2. Lanaco (Auckland)

3. United Machinists (Dunedin)

4. Arotec Diagnostics (Hutt Valley, Wellington Region)

🏆 Manufacturer of the Year (FTE 50+) – Awarded to a business demonstrating excellence in production, innovation, and overall contribution to the industry.

1. Architectural Glass Products (Cambridge, Waikato)

2. PACT Group (Nationwide)

3. Dawn Aerospace (Christchurch)

4. Barkers Fruit Processors (Geraldine, South Canterbury)

5. Vitaco (Auckland)

6. RML Machinery (Hamilton, Waikato)

🏆 Manufacturing Lifetime and Legacy – Recognises pioneers, mentors, innovators, and leaders whose impact is felt by the community for generations to come.