The finalists for the prestigious annual New Zealand CIO Innovation Awards have been officially revealed today, celebrating the extraordinary individuals, teams, and organisations pushing the boundaries of technology and digital transformation across the country.
The awards recognise individuals and teams who have shown immense leadership, innovation, and foresight in their contribution to ICT and business. From ground-breaking uses of emerging technologies to outstanding workplace cultures, this year’s finalists represent the absolute pinnacle of New Zealand’s vibrant digital ecosystem.
“The calibre of this year’s finalists is a testament to the extraordinary innovation happening across New Zealand’s technology community,” noted the NZ CIO Innovation Awards Organising Committee. “These leaders and organisations are not just transforming their own businesses — they are shaping the future of Aotearoa’s digital economy and creating real, lasting value for New Zealanders.”
The winners will be announced at the highly anticipated New Zealand CIO Innovation Awards Gala Dinner, taking place on Tuesday, 4 August 2026.
The 2026 New Zealand CIO Innovation Awards finalists across all seven categories are:
New Zealand CIO of the Year – Sponsored by Red Hat
Celebrating senior ICT leaders who exemplify strategic thinking, innovation, and transformative digital leadership.
- Samir Ranchhod, Chief Digital Officer – Tamaki Health
- Mark Phillips, Chief Digital Officer – Southern Cross Healthcare
- Ankit Gupta, Group Chief Data and AI Officer – The Warehouse Group
- Tighe Wall, Chief Technology Officer / Chief Transformation Officer – Contact Energy
Emerging ICT Leader of the Year
Recognising exceptional leaders in New Zealand’s ICT sector under the age of 35 who demonstrate outstanding leadership potential.
- Zee (Zeenat) Zakiya, Cyber Security Lead – Fertility Associates
- Aram Raof-Karim, Chief Information Security Officer – University of Otago
Business Transformation through Digital and IT Award – Sponsored by Adobe
Celebrating organisations that have successfully planned and executed business transformation initiatives by leveraging digital and disruptive technologies.
- Suncorp NZ
- Fisher & Paykel Healthcare
- The Warehouse Group
- NZ Post
Innovation Leadership Through an Emerging Technology Award – Sponsored by Fujitsu
Honouring organisations or startups redefining innovation by harnessing next-generation technologies like Generative AI, IoT, or advanced networks.
- FortySouth
- The Warehouse Group
- Auckland Council
- Linfox New Zealand
Excellence in Customer Value Award – Sponsored by Datacom
Recognising outstanding initiatives that leverage digital technology to deliver exceptional value and experiences to consumers and citizens.
- NZME
- DairyNZ
- Suncorp NZ
Innovation for Impact and Purpose Award – Sponsored by Tech New Zealand
Celebrating the unique application of technology to solve significant social, environmental, community, or economic challenges.
- Our Net
- Tech Beyond Gender
- Rise By Talent
- Pūhoro STEMM
Best ICT Team Culture and Inclusion
Highlighting outstanding team cultures, recruitment, inclusion, and diversity practices that drive collective performance and retention.
- Whakarongorau Aotearoa / New Zealand Telehealth Services
- Contact Energy
- AsureQuality
- SkyCity Entertainment Group
Outstanding Contribution to ICT in New Zealand – Sponsored by Sharp
This prestigious accolade is given to a high-profile individual whose career or ongoing work has significantly and uniquely impacted the success, growth, and inclusion of New Zealand’s tech sector.
(Note: There are no finalists for this category. In line with tradition, the highly anticipated recipient of the Outstanding Contribution to ICT award will be announced directly on the night of the Gala Dinner).
About the New Zealand CIO Innovation Awards: The New Zealand CIO Innovation Awards are held in conjunction with the annual CIO Innovation Summit. They serve as a premier platform for recognising excellence within the Kiwi tech community, spotlighting the leaders and collaborative teams driving economic resilience and digital excellence across the nation.
Secure Your Tickets for Tech’s Biggest Night
Don’t miss your chance to celebrate alongside the visionaries, trailblazers, and digital leaders shaping the future of Aotearoa’s technology landscape. Tickets and tables for the highly anticipated New Zealand CIO Innovation Awards Gala Dinner on Tuesday, 4 August 2026, are selling fast. Secure your place today to network with the industry’s best, honor our exceptional finalists, and witness the live winner announcements firsthand, book now!
