National Awards

Z Emerging Leader Award - 2026

This award is looking for people who have innovated, impressed and made a difference to the industry, their company and their employer. They excel in their career and demonstrate a well-rounded character with strong leadership qualities.

Recognising excellence in the performance of Civil Contractors New Zealand (CCNZ) members in:

Z People Awards

To register for this award you need to be logged in.

Entries close: Tuesday, 09 June 2026

This is a FREE to enter award.

The Emerging Leader Award recognises talented people from across the civil construction industry who have shown exemplary skill and leadership in their work. The winner of each year's Emerging Leader Award receives the Dr Dave Memorial Trophy, which was named in memory of Dr Dave Hutchison, an outstanding person who was responsible for helping many young people build their skills and find success in their careers.

Z is a Kiwi company committed to being world-class and leading the way to do what matters. Z has a long-standing relationship with CCNZ and is a proud supporter of its People Awards, recognising the achievements and professional development of individuals within the civil construction industry.

Key Dates
Applications close at midnight - now extended	Tuesday 9 June
Judges review the submissions and arrange online interviews with the finalists (if necessary)	June
Flights, accommodation & conference registrations organised for the finalists - all costs covered by CCNZ	Early July
Winners announced at the Z Energy Awards Luncheon at CCNZ Conference held in Wellington	Friday 14 August 2026

What the finalists get

Flights for the finalist and a support person to and from Wellington
Accommodation for 2 including breakfast
Entry to the Z Energy awards lunch for 2 people
1 day conference registration for Friday 14 August for 2 people
2 tickets to attend the Hirepool Construction Excellence awards dinner Friday evening 14 August 2026

Award winner receives

$1,000 cash from CCNZ
A trophy from Z
One year’s subscription to Contractor Magazine

Click here to download the award information, entry criteria and questions

Eligibility
Questions

Eligibility

Applications are open to individuals that:

Is employed within the civil construction industry by a CCNZ contractor member
Aged 30 years and under as at the time of nomination
Are nominated by an employer, manager or mentor
If a finalist, you are available to attend the CCNZ Conference in Wellington , 14 August 2026