The New Zealand Rainbow Excellence Awards 2026

The Excellence Awards are excited to now be moving into 2026, which will mark the 8th year of the Awards Programme. Since 2019, we have been able to bring together hundreds of organisations and individuals from across New Zealand, not only to celebrate, but also to amplify this important work, and to accelerate progress.

We look forward to having you join us for our awards event this year at SkyCity Theatre for a new Theatre style event and celebration. 

Find out more about how to enter and the awards categories at our website: www.nzrainbowawards.co.nz

Our 2026 Schedule:

• Tickets go on sale to the key supporters: 1 May

• Public ticket release: 15 May

• Entries Open: 1 June

• Entries Close: 10 July

• Judging Concludes: 21 August

• Finalists Announced from 31 August

• Winners Announced at The Awards 16 October.

The New Zealand Rainbow Excellence Awards celebrates workplace leadership, innovation, best practice and collaboration with organisations committed to rainbow diversity and inclusion. We are the only rainbow focused awards programme of our kind in Aotearoa.

Note that prices include the following: 

A Tickets includes two drinks vouchers per person, and a theatre style small snack box (lucky dip).

B Tickets includes two drinks vouchers per person.  Snacks can be purchased at the bar. 

General C tickets do not include drinks or snacks. Drinks and snacks can be purchased at the bar. 

Please indicate if you have special dietary or accessibility requirements when you purchase your tickets.

Please note that this is an LGBTTQIAP+ safe and inclusive event where we celebrate queer excellence PROUDLY. We reserve the right to cancel without refund and/or deny entry to anyone who belongs to an organisation or an individual that puts our Kaupapa or attendees at risk. 

Finally, if you are planning accommodation in the city on the night, we will be sharing an exclusive SkyCity Hotels preferred rate link very soon.

© 2026 South Pacific Pride Ltd T/A New Zealand Rainbow Excellence Awards