Media Release
2026 New Zealand Hi-Tech Awards - Finalists Announced
Auckland, 26th March 2026
A record number of over 300 entries were received in the 2026 NZ Hi-Tech Awards. New Zealand’s depth of tech talent is reflected in the line-up of finalists this year, according to Marian Johnson, Chair of the NZ Hi-Tech Trust, who says the standard of entries continues to grow every year.
“It’s inspiring to have received yet another big jump in the number of entries this year, particularly when things have been pretty tough for some companies over the last 12 months. Whilst the tech sector has not been immune to some of these challenges, it has shown determined resilience and remarkable growth in some areas."
Local and international judges unanimously commented that the quality of the entrants continues to build, with predictions that the next phase of judging will prove even more challenging as they select the winners from such a strong pool of finalists.
“The Hi-Tech sector is valued at over $23b, and we have an ever-growing number of Kiwi-founded companies becoming global success stories. This sector continues to be at the forefront of our export economy, and we look forward to celebrating at the Gala Dinner in May," says Johnson.
The 2026 Hi-Tech Awards Gala Dinner will take place on Friday, the 22nd of May at Spark Arena in Auckland, with over 1,200 guests in attendance.
The 2026 NZ Hi-Tech Awards finalists are:
PwC Hi-Tech Company of the Year
ASX Hi-Tech Emerging Company of the Year
2040 Ventures Hi-Tech Startup Company of the Year
Datacom Hi-Tech Inspiring Individual
- Ankita Dhakar - Capture The Bug
- Dan Walker - Microsoft
- Irina Miller - Daisy Lab
- Tim Young - Smart Access
- Trent Fulcher - Starboard Maritime Intelligence
Poutama Trust/GreenMount Capital Hi-Tech Kamupene Māori o te Tau – Māori Company of the Year
- Alps2Ocean Foods
- Bio Innovations
- Hectre
- PAM
Duncan Cotterill Most Innovative Hi-Tech Software Solution
Kiwibank Most Innovative Hi-Tech Solution For a More Sustainable Future
Braemac Most Innovative Hi-Tech Manufacturer
- Alimetry
- Architectural Glass Products
- Aroa Biosurgery
- Astute Access
- Cleanery
- Fisher & Paykel Technologies
Consult Recruitment Best Contribution to the NZ Tech Sector
NZTE Most Innovative Hi-Tech Agritech Solution
Xero Hi-Tech Young Achiever
- Jean-Luc Ellis - WasteX
- Lucy Turner - VXT
- Nathan Konigkramer - Spectrum Consulting
- Sam Broadhead - Sence
Fujitsu Most Innovative Deep Tech Solution
NZX Most Innovative Hi-Tech Creative Technology Solution
- Access Quest by Smart Access
- Kara Technologies
- Kitten Space Agency by RocketWerkz
- StaplesVR
- UneeQ Digital Humans
Christchurch Airport Hi-Tech Solution for the Public Good
- Access Quest by Smart Access
- Canterbury Seismic
- EVolocity
- 800 Trust (Hark)
- oVRcome
- Wildlife.ai
[ENDS]
Further comment available upon request, all enquiries to:
Hamish Williams, Motuihe Group
027 475 4672
hamish@motuihegroup.nz
About The NZ Hi-Tech Awards
Now in their 31st year, the New Zealand Hi-Tech Awards celebrate the success of our producers of goods and services from the software, electronics, telecommunications, mobile, agritech, creative and other Hi-Tech industries. The Awards are run by the NZ Hi-Tech Trust, a not-for-profit organisation aimed at promoting and supporting the wider industry. The board is comprised of trustees: Marian Johnson (Chair), Frances Valintine, Brooke Roberts, Dr Sam Yu, Owen Gibson, Mike O’Donnell, Amber Taylor, Dr Andrew West and Sarah Ramsay.
For further information visit: www.hitech.org.nz