Co-operative / Mutual of the Year

Being a co-operative or mutual gives your business a point of difference. There are many good-news stories to tell of your achievements and success when ‘walking the talk’ of the co-operative principles. This award seeks to highlight an outstanding business who is making waves within the sector.

Leader of the Year

The leaders you find within the co-operative and mutual sector are second to none. This award is presented to an individual who has shown outstanding leadership, vision and passion within their co-operative or the sector in general over the past year.

Lifetime Achievement Award

There are a few outstanding individuals who give of themselves freely, often over the course of their lives, to the co-operative and mutual community. This award ensures they are given the recognition they deserve for their work in ensuring the business model thrives in New Zealand.

Please note, this category is judged slightly differently to the other awards. If a nominee meets the criteria and provides an above bar nomination, they will automatically be named a ‘finalist’.

Emerging Business of the Year

There are many passionate individuals and groups pursuing the co-operative model in New Zealand. This award recognises those who have been in operation for under five years, walking and talking the co-operative principles.

Emerging Leader of the Year

Given the calibre of the up-and-coming leaders within the sector, the future of co-operatives and mutuals in New Zealand is bright. This award is presented to an individual under the age of 35 who is making their mark on the co-operative community.

The Celebration

The winners will be announced at the cocktail evening and ceremony held on Thursday 5 October 2023 at FMG, Wellington. 

This evening is a highlight on the co-operative business community’s annual calendar and is well attended by both co-operative leaders and the emerging co-operative generation alike. It is a key opportunity to network, connect, and celebrate the co-operative sector.

The night includes canapés, networking drinks, the awards ceremony and supper. It’s shaping up to be a wonderful event!

Early bird tickets will close at the end of August, so we encourage you to register yourself, your directors, executive team, staff, and members who would like to attend as soon as possible.

Everyone is encouraged to join us for the celebrations regardless of whether they are up for an award.