Dear Member,

It’s hard to believe, but we’re already counting down to one of the highlights of our calendar – the Cooperative Business NZ Annual Awards, taking place in Auckland on 6 November 2025. These awards are our chance to celebrate the people and organisations who bring the cooperative difference to life, whether through exceptional leadership, fresh ideas, or a lifetime of commitment to our sector.

This year brings something new – the Cooperative Innovation Award, celebrating members who’ve found fresh ways to create value, whether by teaming up with other co-ops, launching a new product or service, or rethinking how members connect and engage.

We’ve also made entering easier and fairer. Based on your feedback, each award now has guided prompts to help you tell your story – perfect for members without big marketing teams.

Nominations are open now. Take a look at the criteria, think of the leaders, innovators and champions in your network, and help us showcase the power of the cooperative model. 
You can also book your early-bird tickets now!

Ngā mihi / In co-operation   

Saya Wahrlich

CEO, Cooperative Business NZ

2025 AWARD CATEGORIES 

Co-op/Mutual of the Year 

This prestigious award is about celebrating the success of the cooperative business model. The winner will have clearly demonstrated the value of the cooperative or mutual model in returning authentic and measurable benefits to members and to their local communities.  

Leader of the Year

This award will be presented to an individual who has shown significant cooperative leadership either within a members’ cooperative or the cooperative sector. The nominee must have clearly demonstrated cooperative leadership, vision and courage for the cooperative model and initiatives that have benefited their cooperative or the cooperative sector.

Emerging Leader of the Year

This award will be presented to an individual (aged 35 and under) who is making their mark within their member organisation. It aims to recognise contribution through innovation, driving best practice, collaboration or cooperation. Plus, to recognise the vital role that governance plays in the ongoing success of cooperatives, the winner is invited to join the Cooperative Business NZ board as a Board Observer for the 2026  calendar year.  

Cooperative Innovation

This new award recognises one or more CBNZ members that have championed fresh ways of working – whether by teaming up with other cooperatives to create shared value or by giving members a new voice, service or platform. The innovation might be a brand‑new product, service or technology; a creative business model or member‑engagement initiative; a pioneering partnership; an operational or governance improvement; or an inventive response to social, environmental or economic challenges.

Lifetime Achievement

Individuals that have contributed significantly to the success of the cooperative model over 10+ years can be nominated. This award is not intended to recognise only long service but also significant contributions made to developing the cooperative business model and/or to the broader New Zealand cooperative sector. It ensures recognition is given to individuals who give of themselves freely, often over the course of their careers, to the member-owned community.

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