2026 Awards – Categories and Criteria
The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in New Zealand Incorporated (CILT NZ) presents annual awards to recognise excellence across New Zealand’s transport, logistics and supply chain sectors.
The awards celebrate emerging leaders, outstanding professionals, academic achievement, innovation, safety, sustainability, communication, and long-standing contribution to the industry.
The 2026 awards will be presented at the CILT NZ Annual Awards Dinner in November 2026.
How to Nominate
To nominate yourself or someone else for a 2026 CILT NZ Award, please complete and submit the 2026 CILT NZ Awards Nomination Pack by 5pm on 8 September 2026.
Each nomination must include:
- The completed nomination form
- The required intellectual property declaration
- The required photo and media release
- Acceptance of the award terms and conditions
- Any supporting material requested for the relevant award category
Please email completed nomination pack and supporting documents to info@cilt.co.nz.
Key Conditions
- Entries close 5pm on 8 September 2026.
- Nominations must be submitted electronically using the nomination pack.
- Award criteria will be strictly applied.
- CILT NZ may choose not to present an award if the required standard is not met.
- Award winners do not need to be CILT NZ members, unless stated for a specific award.
Full award terms and conditions are included in the nomination pack.
Jump to Award Categories
Academic Awards
- A1: The MITO/CILT Scholarship
- A2: Applied Industry Research Excellence Award
- A3: Outstanding Research Achievement for a Masters’ Dissertation or Thesis
Communication Awards
Initiative Awards
- B3: Dexion Award for Excellence and Innovation
- B4: Napier Port Safety Made Simple Award
- B5: TR Group Sustainability Leadership Award
Superstar Awards
- C1: Rising Star Award
- C2: TRET Award for Young Achiever of the Year
- C3: The Norman Spencer Memorial Medal
- C4: Sir Bob Owens Memorial Award
Award Categories
Academic Awards
A1: The MITO/CILT Scholarship
The MITO/CILT Scholarship recognises an emerging industry leader who has completed a MITO or Tranzqual qualification in road transport, logistics, ports, or stevedoring, and is seeking further professional development.
Judges will look for someone who shows leadership potential, commitment to development, and the ability to balance work with further study. The nominee does not need to already be in a management role.
Prize: $1,000 towards further study or professional development, reimbursed against actual costs, plus a framed certificate.
To enter this award, complete the nomination pack and include the supporting information outlined below.
Nominations should include
- Nominee’s name
- Summary of their MITO or Tranzqual study
- Industry experience
- Intended future professional development
- Statement of support from the nominator or colleagues, if possible
A2: Applied Industry Research Excellence Award
This award recognises outstanding applied research by postgraduate students enrolled with a New Zealand tertiary provider.
Eligible research must relate to transport, logistics, supply chain, urban or regional planning, transport energy use, or a closely related field and applicants must confirm in their application the ability to attend the annual awards ceremony to be eligible. The project must have been completed between July 2025 and June 2026.
Judges will look for original, innovative research with clear methodology, strong evidence, critical analysis, and practical potential to benefit New Zealand. Commercially sensitive research should be identified so confidentiality can be managed.
Prize: Two awards of $1,000 each, plus a certificate. Winners will be expected to provide a one-page summary for CILT magazine, present their findings to a local CILT section, and attend the CILT Forum & Awards Dinner. The prize money can be used toward transport & accommodation costs to Auckland, plus cover the Forum & Dinner costs.
To enter this award, complete the nomination pack and include the supporting information outlined below.
Nominations should include
- Nominee’s name
- A PDF copy of, or link to, the research
- Name of the research supervisor
- Statement of support from the nominator, supervisor, and industry contact.
A3: Outstanding Research Achievement for a Masters’ Dissertation or Thesis
This award recognises excellence in Masters-level academic research completed through a New Zealand tertiary provider.
The research must relate to transport, logistics, supply chain, urban planning, transport energy or planning, or another relevant sector topic. It must represent at least one quarter of the Masters’ assessment and have been completed between July 2025 and June 2026. The applicants must confirm in their application the ability to attend the annual awards ceremony to be eligible
Judges will consider academic quality, originality, innovation, relevance to New Zealand, and potential benefit to the New Zealand economy. Where the research includes mathematical modelling or equations, these must be validated by the supervisor and examiner.
Prize: $1,000 plus a certificate. The winner will be expected to present to a local CILT section, provide a two-page summary for CILT magazine, and attend the CILT Forum & Awards Dinner. The prize money can be used toward transport & accommodation costs to Auckland, plus cover the Forum & Dinner costs.
To enter this award, complete the nomination pack and include the supporting information outlined below.
Nominations should include
- Nominee’s name
- A PDF copy of, or link to, the dissertation or thesis
- Name of the supervisor
- Statement of support from the nominator, supervisor, or industry contact, if possible
Communication Awards
B1: CILT Presentation Award
This award recognises the best presentation on any aspect of logistics, supply chain, or transport, delivered between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026.
The presentation may have been delivered online or in person, and may be academic or general in nature.
Prize: Trophy held for one year, plus a certificate.
To enter this award, complete the nomination pack and include the supporting information outlined below.
Nominations should include
- Nominee’s name
- Explanation of the achievement
- A PDF copy of, or link to, samples of the presentation
- Statement of support from the nominator or industry colleagues, if possible
Judges will be looking for
- Suited its intended audience
- Engaged and educated the audience
- Provided clear context and explanation
- Used the available time well, including facilitation and questions where relevant
B2: CILT Best Article Award
This award recognises the best article, series of articles, or editorial opinion on supply chain management, logistics, or transport, published between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026.
Nominations may be made by editors, publishers, writers, journalists, or others who have published original work about the sector.
Prize: Trophy held for one year, plus a certificate.
To enter this award, complete the nomination pack and include the supporting information outlined below.
Nominations should include
- Nominee’s name
- A PDF copy of, or link to, the article
- Statement of support from the nominator or industry colleagues, if desired
Judges will be looking for
- Suited its intended audience
- Engaged and informed readers
- Added knowledge or insight
- Provided clear context
- Analysed issues or opportunities
- Identified options or a way forward, where appropriate
Initiative Awards
B3: Dexion Award for Excellence and Innovation
This award recognises a project or initiative that addresses an organisational or industry challenge in a distinctive, practical, and innovative way.
Entries should demonstrate original thinking, beneficial impact, integrity in relationships, and improvement beyond current legislative requirements in relation to people, processes, technology, or systems.
To enter this award, complete the nomination pack and include the supporting information outlined below.
Nominations should include
- Nominee’s name
- Details of the innovation and its impact
- A PDF copy of, or link to, any related articles or supporting material, if available
- Statement of support from the nominator or industry colleagues, if desired
Prize: Certificate.
Sponsor:
B4: Napier Port Safety Made Simple Award
The Napier Port Safety Made Simple Award recognises organisations that implement innovative and effective solutions to improve the health, safety, and wellbeing of their people.
Entries may relate to culture, processes, systems, technology, equipment, policies, or other changes that have improved physical or psychological safety and wellbeing.
Nominations should show organisational commitment, a culture where staff can raise safety and wellbeing issues, active risk management, evidence of review or audit, and collaboration with others. Judging may include a site visit.
Prize: Certificate.
To enter this award, complete the nomination pack and include the supporting information outlined below.
Nominations should include
- Nominee’s name
- Description of the initiative and its impact
- A PDF copy of, or link to, any articles or reports that can be shared, if desired
- Statement of support from the nominator, affected people, or industry colleagues, if desired
Sponsor:
B5: TR Group Sustainability Leadership Award
The TR Group Sustainability Leadership Award recognises organisations, teams, or individuals showing leadership, innovation, and measurable impact in sustainability across New Zealand’s transport, logistics, freight, and supply chain sectors.
Entries should show how an initiative, project, programme, technology, or operational improvement has delivered, or is capable of delivering, meaningful environmental benefits and long-term sustainable outcomes. This may include emissions reduction, energy efficiency, waste minimisation, circular economy practices, fleet optimisation, resource conservation, sustainable infrastructure, or other initiatives that contribute to a more sustainable industry.
Nominations should provide clear evidence of the sustainability benefits achieved or expected, the leadership and innovation involved, and any collaboration with employees, customers, suppliers, or industry partners. Judging may include a presentation, interview, or site visit.
To enter this award, complete the nomination pack and include the supporting information outlined below.
Nominations should include
- Nominee’s name
- Description of the sustainability initiative and its objectives
- Evidence of measurable environmental, operational, or industry impact
- Details of innovation, collaboration, or leadership demonstrated
- A PDF copy of, or link to, any articles, reports, case studies, or supporting material that can be shared, if desired
- Statement of support from the nominator, stakeholders, customers, suppliers, or industry colleagues, if desired
Judges will be looking for
- Sustainability leadership
- Innovation and continuous improvement
- Clear, measurable, and ongoing environmental benefits
- Industry, organisational, or community impact
- Collaboration and stakeholder engagement
- Potential for lasting or scalable sustainable outcomes
Sponsor:
Superstar Awards
C1: Rising Star Award
This award recognises an employee under the age of 30 as at 1 January 2027 who is not yet in management but shows outstanding promise in the logistics and transport industry.
The nominee should consistently produce quality work, demonstrate positive attitude and behaviour, support colleagues, and show the characteristics of someone with strong future potential.
Nominations should be made by the candidate’s manager and include peer reports from three colleagues and clients, where appropriate.
Prize: $1000 plus a certificate.
To enter this award, complete the nomination pack and include the supporting information outlined below.
Nominations should include
- Nominee’s name
- Explanation of why this person should receive the award
- A PDF copy of, or link to, any supporting articles or material, if available
- Statement of support from the nominator or industry colleagues, if desired
Judges will be looking for
- Performs their role to a high standard
- Understands the technical aspects of their job
- Communicates clearly
- Acts ethically and thoughtfully
- Identifies problems and contributes constructive solutions
- Shows initiative, innovation, and commitment to improvement
- Models high standards to peers
- Supports co-workers and works well in a team
- Maintains a positive attitude
- Shares knowledge and contributes ideas
Sponsor:
C2: TRET Award for Young Achiever of the Year
The TRET Award for Young Achiever of the Year recognises an individual under the age of 35 as at 1 January 2027 who is actively involved in the day-to-day operation and development of transport or logistics in New Zealand.
The nominee should have made a clear contribution in their field, shown strong leadership or organisational skills, and demonstrated project or programme implementation capability.
Judges will look for achievement, professionalism, leadership potential, and the ability to progress into senior roles in the transport and logistics profession.
The nominee must be sponsored by their employer or an appropriate professional association. Shortlisted nominees may be invited to take part in a short interview with the judges.
Prize: $2,000 to be spent on training, development, or a relevant conference, reimbursed on production of receipts. The winner will also receive a certificate and be invited to join the CILT NZ National Council as a non-voting member for one year. The award includes a trophy held for one year.
To enter this award, complete the nomination pack and include the supporting information outlined below.
Nominations should include
- Nominee’s name
- Explanation of why this person should receive the award
- Details of how the prize would be invested in training or development
- A PDF copy of, or link to, any related articles or supporting material, if available
- Statement of support from the nominator or industry colleagues, if desired
Sponsor: CILT Transport Research and Education Trust
C3: The Norman Spencer Memorial Medal
The Norman Spencer Memorial Medal honours Norman Spencer, the first Chairman of the New Zealand Division of The Chartered Institute of Transport from 1959 to 1962.
The award recognises sustained contribution to the transport and logistics sector, along with meaningful contribution to CILT NZ.
Nominations are sought by the CILT NZ Council through branches and sections. All sections are encouraged to consider a nomination each year. Self-nominations are accepted.
Prize: Medal held until the next recipient is chosen, plus a framed certificate.
To enter this award, complete the nomination pack and include the supporting information outlined below.
Nominations should include
- Nominee’s name
- Explanation of why this person should receive the award
- A PDF copy of, or link to, any related articles or supporting material, if available
- Statement of support from the nominator or industry colleagues, if desired
C4: Sir Bob Owens Memorial Award
The Sir Bob Owens Memorial Award honours Sir Bob Owens, one of the industry’s most respected leaders. It is the highest honour CILT NZ can bestow.
The award recognises a person who has made an exceptional, sustained contribution to the transport and logistics sector. Nominees should also show commitment to supporting the careers of others and contributing to the wider community.
Nominations are sought by the CILT NZ National Council through branches and sections. Self-nominations are not permitted.
Prize: Trophy held for one year, plus a medal recognising the achievement.
To enter this award, complete the nomination pack and include the supporting information outlined below.
Nominations should include
- Nominee’s name
- Full details of the nominee’s achievements, sector contribution, community contribution, and experience
- A PDF copy of, or link to, any related articles or supporting material, if available
- Statement of support from the nominator or industry colleagues, if desired
Ready to Nominate?
To nominate yourself or someone else for a 2026 CILT NZ Award, please complete and submit the 2026 CILT NZ Awards Nomination Pack by 5pm on 8 September 2026.
Please email completed nominations and supporting documents to info@cilt.co.nz.
2026 CILT NZ Award Nomination Pack
Download and complete the nomination pack, then email it with any supporting material to info@cilt.co.nz by 5pm on 8 September 2026.
Download the Award Nomination Pack in word version for easy self-completion here.
View the PDF link here is needed.
Please submit nominations electronically. No hard copy or postal nominations will be accepted. By submitting a nomination, nominators and nominees agree to the CILT NZ Award Terms and Conditions included in the nomination pack, including the declaration of ownership of intellectual property and photo and media release requirements.