Over 300 entries mark another milestone year for the 2026 NZ Hi-Tech Awards, with the Gala Dinner set for May in Auckland.
New Zealand’s technology sector has demonstrated strong resilience heading into 2026, with a record-breaking number of entries received for this year’s NZ Hi-Tech Awards now in their 31st year.
Organisers announced the finalists last week, revealing that more than 300 entries were submitted across 14 categories, the highest number in the awards’ history. The milestone comes despite what NZ Hi-Tech Trust Chair Marian Johnson describes as a challenging period for some businesses.
“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,” says Johnson. “Whilst the tech sector has not been immune to some of these challenges, it has shown determined resilience and remarkable growth in some areas.”
The tech sector, valued at over $23 billion, continues to be a cornerstone of New Zealand’s export economy, and Johnson says the calibre of this year’s finalists reflects just how far the industry has come. Both local and international judges noted the consistently improving quality of entries, with the final round of judging expected to be particularly competitive.
The prestigious PwC Hi-Tech Company of the Year category features six finalists: Aroa Biosurgery, Auror, Dawn Aerospace, Gallagher Group, Halter, and Tait Communications.
The ASX Hi-Tech Emerging Company of the Year shortlist includes BioOra, Calocurb, Hectre, Starboard Maritime Intelligence, and Starshipit, while the 2040 Ventures Hi-Tech Startup Company of the Year category spotlights three early-stage innovators: Goodair Nosebuds, Kara Technologies, and Sea-Flux.
Hectre features across multiple categories this year, appearing as a finalist in both the Emerging Company and the GreenMount Capital/Poutama Trust Māori Company of the Year categories alongside Alps2Ocean Foods, Bio Innovations, and PAM.
The Datacom Hi-Tech Inspiring Individual category recognises five standout contributors: Ankita Dhakar from Capture The Bug, Dan Walker from Microsoft, Irina Miller from Daisy Lab, Tim Young from Smart Access, and Trent Fulcher from Starboard Maritime Intelligence.
Other categories span the breadth of the sector, including innovative software solutions (Duncan Cotterill), sustainability-focused technology (Kiwibank), advanced manufacturing (Braemac), agritech (NZTE), deep tech (Fujitsu), creative technology (NZX), and solutions for the public good (Christchurch Airport). The Xero Hi-Tech Young Achiever award shines a light on four emerging talents: Jean-Luc Ellis, Lucy Turner, Nathan Konigkramer, and Sam Broadhead.
Winners will be announced at the 2026 Hi-Tech Awards Gala Dinner on Friday 22 May at Spark Arena in Auckland, with more than 1,200 guests expected to attend.
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