The annual New Zealand CIO Innovation Awards recognise individuals and teams who have shown leadership, innovation, and foresight in their contribution to ICT and business. Coveted by teams and tech leaders, the CIO Innovation Awards are prestigious and inspirational recognition of the talent the best New Zealand offers.
AWARDS TIMELINE:
2 March 2026 – Entries and Nominations Open
26 May 2026 – Entries Close
30 June 2026 – Finalists Announced
4 August 2026 – NZ CIO Innovation Awards
Category Eligibility
NZ CIO of the Year Nomination Form
These questions may be completed by the nominee or by someone nominating on their behalf. Where possible, respond based on observed outcomes and examples. Finalists will have the opportunity to provide further details during the interviews.
Why are you nominating this individual? (No weighting) In your own words, what sets this individual apart as a tech leader?
Maximum word count: 250
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Organisational Impact (30%) Describe the organisation, its strategic priorities, and the outcomes it aims to achieve. How has the nominee demonstrated innovation or applied emerging technologies to advance these priorities? How has the nominee shaped and led the digital and technology strategy to enable these priorities? Provide an example of an initiative or decision that demonstrates alignment between technology strategy and organisational goals, and the impact delivered.
Maximum word count: 500 words
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Influence, Collaboration and Change (30%) How does the nominee demonstrate leadership and influence across their organisation and the wider ecosystem? Provide a specific example showing how they have collaborated, influenced others, or led change to achieve meaningful outcomes.
Maximum word count: 500 words
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Innovation Leadership and Impact (40%) Describe a specific project or initiative led by the nominee where technology was used to drive improvement or innovation. What changed as a result, and how was success measured or observed? Maximum word count: 750 words
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This award recognises and celebrates exceptional emerging leaders in New Zealand’s ICT sector – who are under 35, and are demonstrating outstanding leadership potential.
The recipient will have already made an impact in their ICT career, demonstrated through outstanding initiative and leadership. This could include leading a high-performing ICT team, building a successful technology business, or mentoring underrepresented communities in digital leadership.
Category Eligibility
Emerging ICT Leader Nomination Form
These questions may be completed by the nominee or by someone nominating on their behalf. Where possible, respond based on observed outcomes and examples. Finalists will have the opportunity to expand on detail during interviews.
Why are you nominating this individual? (No weighting) What sets this individual apart as an emerging tech leader?
Maximum word count: 250 words
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Career Overview (5%) Briefly describe the nominee’s current role and their career journey so far. Include the types of responsibilities they hold and where they are demonstrating leadership or growth.
Maximum word count: 250 words
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Project or Initiative Contribution (25%) Describe a project or initiative with a technology component that the nominee played a key role in.
Note: This does not need to be a largescale project – smaller initiatives with clear impact are equally valid.
Maximum word count: 500 words
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Leadership Qualities (30%) Based on your experience, how does the nominee demonstrate leadership and influence? How do they communicate ideas or bring others on the journey?
Maximum word count: 500 words
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Promoting Technology and Growth (20%) How has the nominee contributed to promoting the use of technology or supporting others within the organisation or in the ICT community?
Examples could include:
Maximum word count: 250 words
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Leadership Potential and Future Impact (20%) What potential do you see in this individual as a future ICT leader?
Maximum word count: 500 words
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A Generative AI and Agentic AI
Physical AI
Sovereign Cloud and Sovereign AI
Quantum Computing, quantum readiness, post-quantum cryptography
Next generation connectivity ( 6G,Wi-Fi 6 / Wi-Fi 7, Ultra-fast, low-latency networks, LEO satellite technology)
Extended Reality (XR) – Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR)
Digital Twins and Smart City Technologies
Edge computing and Internet of Things (IoT)
Sustainable and Green Technologies
This award celebrates an organisation that has successfully planned and executed business transformation initiatives by leveraging digital and disruptive technologies. The recipient demonstrates how digital technologies can be harnessed to drive meaningful and lasting organisational change.
Category Eligibility
Business Transformation through Digital and IT Nomination Form
This nomination may be completed by the organisation or by someone nominating on its behalf (e.g. executive, peer, supplier, partner, board). Responses should be based on observed outcomes and experience. Finalists will be invited to expand on detail during interviews.
Vendor/ Partner Nominations – entries must be centred on the tech-user organisation and the business transformation outcomes delivered, rather than the technology, product, or services provided.
Why are you nominating this organisation for this award? (No weighting)
Maximum word count: 250 words
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Organisation & Transformation Overview (20%) Briefly describe the organisation and the business context it operates in. What transformation initiative is being nominated, and why was it needed?
Include:
Maximum word count: 500 words
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The Transformation Journey (40%) Describe the business transformation initiative and how technology enabled it.
You may cover:
This does not need to be a full technical or project breakdown – judges are looking for clarity, impact, and transformation
Maximum word count: 750 words
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Impact and Outcomes (40%) What positive impact has the transformation had?
Describe up to 3 areas where the organisation saw the most benefit, such as:
Quantitative measures are welcome where available, but qualitative outcomes are also valid.
Maximum word count: 750 words
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This award recognises outstanding ICT team culture, recruitment, inclusion, and diversity practices that drive team and organisational success. These organisations prioritise recruitment, retention, and training future talent as essential to building high-performing ICT teams.
The award highlights practices, policies, and strategies that create a modern, inclusive, and open team culture. Successful teams nurture diversity, foster cohesion and morale, and retain critical talent to build a competitive digital business.
Category Eligibility
Best ICT Team Culture & Inclusion Nomination Form
This nomination may be completed by the team itself or by someone nominating the team on their behalf. Responses should be based on your experience of working with or alongside the team. Supporting evidence is welcome but not required. Finalists will have the opportunity to expand during interviews.
Overview (5%) Briefly describe the organisation and the ICT team being nominated. What does success look like for this team, and what context (growth, change, challenges) are they operating in?
Maximum word count: 250 words
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Team Culture (25%) How would you describe the culture of the team?
You may include examples, stories, or optional evidence such as survey insights or initiatives
Maximum word count: 750 words
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Team Achievement (35%) Describe a specific initiative where this ICT team went above and beyond. For example, how the team culture contributed to innovation, inclusion, or delivering exceptional outcomes.
Team member quotes or reflections are welcome but optional.
Maximum word count: 750 words
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Summation (35%) In your own words, what makes this ICT team special, and why should they be recognised for their culture and inclusion?
Maximum word count: 500 words
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This award celebrates an organisation or startup that is redefining innovation by harnessing emerging technologies to create new business models, transform processes, or develop new products and services. The recipient showcases how emerging technologies can drive competitive advantage and resilience while navigating the complexities of evolving technologies and regulatory frameworks. This award recognises excellence in innovation but also has the vision and processes in place to prepare for the next generation of emerging technologies and guiding leadership teams to embrace change and drive transformative outcomes.
2026 emerging technology is defined as one of the following categories;
Category Eligibility
Innovation Leadership Through an Emerging Technology Nomination Form
This nomination may be completed by the organisation or by someone nominating on its behalf (e.g. executive, peer, supplier, partner, board). Responses should be based on observed outcomes and experience. Finalists will be invited to expand in detail during interviews.
Vendor/ Partner Nominations – entries must be centred on the tech-user organisation and the business outcomes delivered, rather than the technology, product, or services provided.
Why are you nominating this organisation for this award? (No weighting)
Maximum word count: 250 words
|
Organisation and Technology Overview (20%) Briefly describe the organisation and the context it operates in. How is this technology innovative?
Include:
Maximum word count: 500 words
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Emerging Technology (40%) Describe how the emerging technology has been applied and what makes this use case distinctive.
You may cover:
Judges are looking for real-world application and learning.
Maximum word count: 750 words
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Impact and Outcomes (40%) What positive outcomes has the organisation achieved, or expects to achieve, through this technology? Describe:
Maximum word count: 750 words
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This award recognises an outstanding initiative that delivers meaningful, measurable impact for people, communities, or the environment in Aotearoa New Zealand by improving access to, understanding of, or participation in digital and information technology.
Initiatives may focus on education, digital equity, diversity and inclusion, environmental sustainability, accessibility, or expanding pathways into technology and digital careers.
Category Eligibility
Innovation for Impact and Purpose Nomination Form
These questions may be completed by the nominee or by someone nominating on their behalf. Where possible, respond based on observed outcomes and examples. Finalists will have the opportunity to expand the details during the interviews.
Vendor/ Partner Nominations – entries must be centred on the tech-user experience and the outcomes delivered, rather than a technology or product provided.
Purpose and Overview (5%) In a few sentences, describe the initiative and why it exists. What need/s and objectives does it address, and what are the main impact goals?
Maximum word count: 250 words
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Partnerships (10%) Tell us about any groups, organisations, or partners the initiative works with. How do they support the initiative?
Maximum word count: 500 words |
Impact (40%) What difference has the initiative made?
Please describe the impact on 1 or more of the following:
Maximum word count: 750 words
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Participant Quote (15%) Share a short quote from a participant, partner, or community member about the impact the initiative has created.
Maximum word count: 100 words
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Summation (30%) Why do you believe the initiative should be recognised as a model for others?
Maximum word count: 500 words
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This award celebrates technology teams that redefine customer engagement, delivering increased levels of customer value and experience through a refreshed approach to user engagement. By prioritising user needs and fostering meaningful engagement, they set a benchmark for excellence in creating lasting customer value.
Category Eligibility
Excellence in Customer Value Nomination Form
This nomination may be completed by the organisation or by someone nominating on its behalf (e.g. executive, peer, supplier, partner, board). Responses should be based on observed outcomes and experience. Finalists will be invited to expand in detail during interviews.
Vendor/ Partner Nominations – entries must be centred on the tech-user organisation and the business outcomes delivered, rather than the technology, product, or services provided.
Why are you nominating this organisation for Excellence in Customer Value? What makes their approach stand out, and what could others learn from it?
Maximum word count: 250 words
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Organisation and Customer Value Overview (10%) Briefly describe the organisation and how it creates value for its customers.
Include:
Maximum word count: 500 words
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The Initiative (50%) Describe the initiative or approach that most significantly improved customer value.
You may cover:
Judges are looking for clarity, customer impact, and intent
Maximum word count: 750 words
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Impact and Outcomes (40%) What difference did the initiative make?
Describe up to three areas where the greatest impact was seen, such as:
Quantitative measures are welcome where available, qualitative evidence and customer feedback are equally valid.
Maximum word count: 750 words
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This award honours a high-profile leader from either the public or private sector whose contributions have significantly and uniquely impacted the New Zealand or global technology and business communities through technology.
The award recognises individuals at the intersection of business, communities, and technology-visionary leaders whose long and successful careers in IT and technology have driven transformational change in New Zealand and beyond. It celebrates those whose leadership and innovation have created lasting impact, advancing organisations, communities, and New Zealand’s technology growth, and delivering economic growth, societal benefit, and in many instances, international recognition.
If you know of a worthy candidate, we encourage you to submit a nomination. There are no finalists or finalist interviews for this award, the recipient is selected by the judging panel.
This award is designed to support peer nominations. You may nominate a colleague, leader, or industry figure whose contribution you have observed first-hand.
There are no word count limits in this nomination form.
Why are you nominating this individual? (10%) In your own words, explain why this person stands out. What makes their contribution exceptional, and why do you believe it deserves recognition at a national level? How does this nominee’s contribution continue to impact and inspire New Zealand’s technology leaders?
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Career, Experience and Achievements (30%) Outline the individual’s career journey and key accomplishments.
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Leadership, Mentorship and Professional Impact (30%) Describe how this individual demonstrates leadership and professionalism.
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Industry and Sector Impact (30%) Explain the broader impact this individual has had beyond their own organisation.
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The Awards are your chance to shine a spotlight on exceptional leadership, innovation, and the positive impacts made across your organisation, the sector or New Zealand at large, through ICT. But the benefits go far beyond recognition. Here’s why entering the CIO Awards is a strategic move for you and your team:
Awards recognition sets you apart from competitors, giving you a competitive edge for securing clients and partnerships, while establishing your company as a trusted leader in the New Zealand ICT landscape.
The CIO Awards provide a formal, prestigious platform for acknowledging the greatness within your organisation. It celebrates the foresight, commitment, and hard work of individuals and teams, honouring those who are truly driving the future of ICT and business in New Zealand.
Recognition on a national stage supercharges employee morale by reinforcing valuable contributions and fosters pride, instantly elevating your company’s profile to attract top talent eager to join an industry leader.
Leveraging your award recognition in marketing efforts will drive sales growth by generating significant publicity and attracting new customers, leading to a significant financial advantage in the marketplace.








The New Zealand CIO Innovation Awards Gala Dinner is more than just an awards ceremony—it’s the premier annual networking event for New Zealand’s technology community.
Join hundreds of the country’s top CIOs, technology executives, and industry influencers for an evening of sophistication, celebration, and inspiration. We’ll be recognising the individuals and teams who have leveraged technology to drive significant business transformation, deliver exceptional value, and pioneer genuine innovation.
The Awards are your chance to shine a spotlight on exceptional leadership, innovation, and the positive impacts made across your organisation, the sector or New Zealand at large, through ICT. But the benefits go far beyond recognition. Here’s why entering the CIO Awards is a strategic move for you and your team:
Awards recognition sets you apart from competitors, giving you a competitive edge for securing clients and partnerships, while establishing your company as a trusted leader in the New Zealand ICT landscape.
The CIO Awards provide a formal, prestigious platform for acknowledging the greatness within your organisation. It celebrates the foresight, commitment, and hard work of individuals and teams, honouring those who are truly driving the future of ICT and business in New Zealand.
Recognition on a national stage supercharges employee morale by reinforcing valuable contributions and fosters pride, instantly elevating your company’s profile to attract top talent eager to join an industry leader.
Recognition on a national stage supercharges employee morale by reinforcing valuable contributions and fosters pride, instantly elevating your company’s profile to attract top talent eager to join an industry leader.
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