The Water New Zealand Excellence Awards are an opportunity to acknowledge the individuals and organisations that have made a significant contribution to the New Zealand water sector. The awards showcase innovation, leadership and excellence within the water industry.
The awards are presented at the Gala Dinner during the Water New Zealand Conference & Expo.
We are looking for short punchy entries that match the category criteria, with key information and data clearly showcased.
Nomination forms will be available for download from Monday, 12 June 2023. Fill in either your details, or your nominees' details. Once completed and all supporting documents are collated, upload your nominations to the awards nomination portal provided.
Judges have identified the Top three finalists for each category
This award commemorates the contribution that Ronald Hicks made to water and wastewater management in New Zealand.
Ronald Hicks was a water professional recognised for his contribution to water and wastewater management in New Zealand from the mid-1950s - 1983. Through his efforts from 1957 to 1959 the NZ Sewage and Industrial Wastes Association, the forerunner of Water New Zealand, was formed.
Entrants must submit an article or paper that recognises significant work in solving or clarifying sewage treatment or water pollution problems in New Zealand.
The Operations prize recognises an individual or organisations delivery of an initiative that is fundamental to keeping drinking water and/or wastewater treatment plants running.
Entrants must provide evidence of an initiative, completed within the last 12 months, that solves an operations issues or problem at a drinking water or wastewater treatment plant.
The 2023 Finalists are:
- Downer for "Strengthening Aotearoa's Three Waters Infrastructure"
- Bay Dynamics for "Te Maunga Outfall Pipe Clearance & Inspection"
- Watercare Services for "Launder & Reuse Water Hypo Dosing System"
This award recognises exceptional commitment to health and safety by a company or organisation within the water industry.
Entrants must provide evidence of an initiative or approach that eliminates or minimises a health or safety risk in the water industry.
The 2023 Finalists are:
- Bay Dynamics for "Te Maunga Outfall Pipe Clearance & Inspection"
- Beca for "Helensville Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade"
- Heed for "Eliminating Confined Space Entry For Wastewater Environmental Monitoring"
The Project Award provides recognition of excellence not only in the delivery of a project but also the contribution of various parties to the final outcome.
Applicants are invited to nominate projects primarily associated with addressing water, wastewater and/or stormwater issues that highlight the projects technical expertise and the service provided to its clients.
The 2023 Finalists are:
- Bay Dynamics for "Te Maunga Outfall Pipe Clearance & Inspection"
- Brian Perry Civil for "Porirua WWTP Hydraulic Upgrade & Milliscreen Channel Remediation"
- Tauranga City Council for "Waiari Water Supply Scheme"
The Young Water Professional of the Year Award acknowledges and rewards a standout person, aged under 35, in the New Zealand water sector who has made a significant contribution to the industry and general community.
We are looking for individuals who have constantly demonstrated excellence in their role whether as a leader of people, manager of resources or in areas of technical or operational expertise.
The 2023 Finalists are:
- Guy Borren of Stantec
- Fritha McCrimmon-Robinson of Stantec
- Sifa Pole of Watercare Services
This award recognises a relative newcomer to the industry who has made their mark through their ideas, approach, and hard work.
An employer can nominate a trainee who is currently involved, or up to three years post-graduation, in an NZQA approved qualification applicable to any aspect of the water industry.
The 2023 Finalists are:
- Amber Byrnes of Citycare Water
- Darryn Little of Fulton Hogan
- Ashleigh Crewe-Brown of Watercare Services
This award recognises outstanding sustainability initiatives in the water industry.
Entrants must provide evidence of an initiative, completed within the last 12 months, that prioritises sustainable resource use and the needs of the wider environment.
The 2023 Finalists are:
- "2 in a Ute" by Citycare Water with local Iwi
- "Emerge fertiliser and soil products" by Watercare Services
- "Te Ara Awataha" by Eke Panuku Development Auckland with Kainga Ora, Auckland Council, Ngā Mana whenua o Tāmaki Makaurau