2026 Great Lake Taupō Tourism Awards

The Great Lake Taupō Tourism Awards 2026 celebrate the people, businesses and partnerships helping shape a strong, innovative and connected visitor economy across the Great Lake Taupō region.

The Awards recognise achievement at every stage of the tourism journey — from emerging talent making an early impact, to businesses evolving and creating new value, organisations achieving more through collaboration, and individuals or teams whose long-term contribution has helped strengthen tourism in our region.

The 2026 Awards will be presented on Thursday, 19 November 2026 at Two Mile Bay Sailing Club.

MEET OUR ESTEEMED JUDGING PANEL

Now, the judging begins! We’re delighted to introduce this year’s outstanding panel of industry leaders, bringing a wealth of experience, expertise and fresh perspectives to recognise excellence across our tourism industry.

🌟 Meet our 2026 Judges

🔹 Sam Allen – Global Manager, Industry & Product Marketing, Tourism New Zealand

Bringing a global perspective on tourism marketing, industry development and product innovation.

🔹 Kristy Phillips – Chief Executive, Hospitality New Zealand

A leading voice in New Zealand’s hospitality sector, championing the industry and the businesses that create exceptional visitor experiences.

🔹 Roscoe Price Moor – Founder & Managing Director, Roady

Founder of Roady, a travel app and content platform that helps travellers discover hidden gems, explore unique experiences and plan memorable road trips across New Zealand and Australia. https://www.roady.co.nz/

Award Categories - applications are now closed.

The Outstanding New Talent Award – Fresh Energy. Real Impact.

Recognises an emerging tourism professional who has worked in the Great Lake Taupō tourism industry for three years or less and is already making a strong impact through excellent service, fresh thinking and genuine passion. Nominations may be submitted by the individual, an employer, mentor or peer.

Eligibility

• Working in the Great Lake Taupō tourism industry for 3 years or less
• Currently employed in a tourism-related role in the region
• Nominations can be made by self, employer, mentor, or peer
• Age is not a factor — focus is on career stage, not age

How to Prepare Your Nomination

• Highlight what makes the nominee stand out (examples, feedback, achievements)
• Keep it authentic — real stories are most powerful

The Evolution Award – Recognising Growth and Value Creation

Celebrates a tourism business or operator that has embraced change, driven growth and created greater value through innovation, reinvention or bold strategy. Eligible developments may include new products, services, business models or significant improvements introduced within the past two years.

Eligibility

• Open to tourism businesses or operators based in or serving the Great Lake Taupō region
• Growth or change must have occurred within the past 2 years
• Includes new services, products, business models, or major improvements
• Self-nominations accepted

How to Prepare Your Nomination

• Explain what changed, why it changed, and the impact
• Include data, feedback, or measurable outcomes where possible

The Collaboration Award – Achieving More Together

Recognises two or more organisations, businesses or individuals who have worked together to achieve something greater than could have been accomplished alone. The collaboration should demonstrate meaningful benefits for visitors, the Great Lake Taupō region or the wider tourism industry.

Eligibility

• Open to 2 or more organisations, businesses, or individuals working together on a tourism initiative
• Collaboration must have been active within the past 2 years
• At least one partner must be based in or primarily operating in Great Lake Taupō
• Joint nominations are encouraged; one partner may nominate on behalf of the group

How to Prepare Your Nomination

• Share the story of the collaboration and its outcomes
• Clearly explain each partner’s contribution and the shared goals

The Legacy in Action Award – Celebrating Lasting Contribution

Recognises an individual or team whose dedication, passion and service have made a lasting contribution to the Great Lake Taupō tourism industry. Nominees should demonstrate sustained contribution over time and a positive impact on visitors, the community and the tourism sector.

Eligibility

• Open to individuals or teams working within the Great Lake Taupō tourism industry
• Nominee must demonstrate sustained contribution over time
• Self-nominations are welcome with a supporting letter from a manager, peer, or industry leader

How to Prepare Your Nomination

• Provide honest, specific examples of the nominee’s impact
• Share authentic stories that demonstrate their contribution