TUANZ Member Awards 2024

Winners for the Awards announced!

The TUANZ Member Awards, on Thursday 12 September celebrated not only innovative leaders in the tech industry but also individuals who have made outstanding contributions to TUANZ over the years. The evening was marked by the presence of Hon. Judith Collins KC, Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology, who presented the awards.

The event recognised exceptional contributions in a range of categories, including community initiatives, technology innovations, journalism, and leadership across the tech sector.

Congratulations to all our winners!

Community Initiative of the Year

  • The Invercargill Initiative – Te Rourou

Technology Initiative of the Year

Outstanding Future Leader

Derrick Edward

Air New Zealand

Outstanding Leader in the User Community

Lee Jansen

Enable Networks

Technology Journalist of the Year

Nona Pelletier

Radio NZ

In addition to the competitive award categories, the event honoured Life Members and recipients of the Chair’s Award, recognising lifetime dedication and exceptional advocacy in the digital and tech sectors.

Life Members Recognition

Chair’s Award Winners

CEO, Crown Infrastructure Partners

Digital Equity Lead, Chorus NZ


Welcome to the 2024 TUANZ Member Awards. For many years, TUANZ was known for its Innovation Awards, a highlight on the member calendar until the last ceremony in 2012. In 2024, TUANZ is proud to launch our new Member Awards, with a focus on our members and initiatives that help the association achieve its goals for Aotearoa. These awards will recognise outstanding member contributions to digital excellence in the past, present and future. Additionally, we want to acknowledge those who have made a significant contribution through the media and community mahi over the past 12 months.

Thank you to those who joined us to celebrate the achievements of our winners.


Categories open to nomination by members

The “Technology Initiative of the Year” award recognises an outstanding project, programme, or initiative within a member organisation, or by an individual member. The initiative has made a significant contribution to meeting the vision of TUANZ within the past 12 months. This award celebrates innovative thinking, strategic implementation, and the successful integration of technology to solve a problem, improve productivity, or create new opportunities.

Criteria

  • Innovative: Sets an example by introducing new ideas, approaches, or technologies.
  • Measurable Outcomes: Clear, quantifiable results and benefits.
  • Broad Impact: Affects a wide range of users.
  • Future Potential: Prospects for continued development and enhancement.
  • Feedback: Positive responses and satisfaction from users or beneficiaries.

Nominations are open to TUANZ member organisations or individual TUANZ members.

The “Community Initiative of the Year” award recognises an outstanding project, programme, or initiative by a not-for-profit community focused group or individual that has made a significant contribution to meeting the vision of TUANZ within the past 12 months. This award celebrates efforts that have effectively addressed community needs, fostered a sense of belonging and support and contributed to the quality of digital enablement within a community.

Criteria

  • Leadership: Setting an example and leading by innovation and introducing new approaches
  • Measurable Outcomes: Clear, quantifiable results and benefits which positively impact their community
  • Broad Impact: Positively affects a wide range of individuals within their chose community
  • Inspiring: Well communicated and implemented initiative 
  • Feedback: Positive responses and satisfaction from users or beneficiaries.

Nominations are open to any community group in Aotearoa New Zealand, however they must be nominated by a TUANZ organisation or individual TUANZ member.

The “Outstanding Leader in the User Community” award recognises an individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication, and influence within the digital user community. This award celebrates a leader who has gone above and beyond to support, inspire, and empower their team, fostering a sense of unity, collaboration, and growth. It also acknowledges the leader’s commitment addressing community needs, and driving positive change.

Criteria

  • Inspirational Leadership: Demonstrates the ability to inspire and motivate outstanding outcomes in their workplace 
  • Broader Influence: Extent of the leader’s influence and the reach of their efforts outside of their organisation within the community which might include TUANZ programmes
  • Empowerment: Encourages and empowers others to take initiative, grow and develop their skills.
  • Team Building: Fosters a collaborative, diverse and inclusive environment.
  • Sustainable Impact: Ensures that their contributions have a lasting and sustainable impact beyond their time in their current role.

Nominations are open to individuals within TUANZ member organisations or individual TUANZ members.

The “Outstanding Future Leader” award recognises a promising individual who demonstrates exceptional leadership potential, vision, and commitment to making a significant impact in their field, whether within FLINT or a community group. This award celebrates emerging leaders poised to shape the future through their innovative thinking, dedication, and proactive approach. It acknowledges their contributions, leadership qualities, and potential to drive positive change in the future.

Criteria

  • Leadership Potential: Shows ability to inspire and motivate peers and colleagues.
  • Passion: Displays a strong commitment and passion to the vision and objectives of their organisation and/or in a voluntary organisation
  • Persistence: Demonstrates determination and resilience in pursuing their goals.
  • Continuous Learning: Shows a commitment to personal and professional development as well as how they inspire others in their peer group in their learning journey.
  • Integrity & Inclusivity: Demonstrates ethical behaviour and integrity in all actions and looks to be inclusive of all in their work.

Nominations are open to FLINT members and community group members however they must be nominated by a TUANZ organisation or individual TUANZ member.

Technology Journalist of the Year

The “Technology Journalist of the Year” award will be chosen by the TUANZ Board based on the recommendation of the CEO. This award is open to any journalist who writes about digital technology and connectivity in New Zealand.

Life Members Award

TUANZ is committed to recognising and honouring individuals who have made significant and enduring contributions to the association over an extended period. Anyone may nominate a current or past member of TUANZ for recognition at the annual Awards ceremony. For more information about the nomination process, criteria for nomination, and benefits for individuals recognised, head to the Life Membership webpage.

Chairs Award

This award is chosen by the Chair of the TUANZ Board to recognise outstanding contribution to New Zealand digital technology and connectivity economy or community. 

Premier Partner