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New Zealand’s event professionals gathered in force on the evening of September 2, at the NZEA New Zealand Event Awards 2025, where the industry’s creativity, innovation, and impact were celebrated at their gala dinner at Claudelands Events Centre in Hamilton. More than 400 guests attended the black-tie occasion, which honoured the very best of events across Aotearoa.
The night’s standout achiever was Scott Rice of Quantum Events, who claimed three honours: Established Industry Professional of the Year 2025, Marketing or Creative of the Year 2025 for the Z Manu World Champs, and Technology Innovation of the Year 2025 for the same event and its innovative ManuTech Judging Software.
“Scott’s contribution to the industry is nothing short of remarkable,” says NZEA chair Andrea Nelson. “Not only has he delivered events of scale and impact, but his willingness to innovate and raise the bar sets a benchmark for all of us working in this sector. His triple win is a testament to his enduring influence on New Zealand’s event landscape.”
The awards also showcased the depth and diversity of the industry, from Whakatāne’s Local Wild Food Festival to the Hastings Meatball Festival, to Ashburton’s Glow in the Park lighting up community initiatives. SYNTHONY Festival in Auckland took out Music Event of the Year 2025, and ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix | Auckland 2025 took our Sports Event of the Year 2025. Nathan White also took out two categories, Best Emerging Industry Professional 2025, and the Ripe Wanaka Wine and Food Festival, in which he is the event director, won the Sustainability Initiative of the Year.
“These awards are not just about recognising success stories, they’re about celebrating the passion and innovation that keeps our industry alive and thriving,” says NZEA general manager Elaine Linnell. “From small community gatherings to international spectacles, every winner tonight represents the creativity and commitment that makes New Zealand events world-class.”
Full List of Winners – NZEA New Zealand Event Awards 2025
Arts, Cultural or Heritage Event of the Year 2025: Matariki Drone Show – Aronui Arts Festival Charitable Trust
Business Event of the Year 2025: Fieldays 2024 – New Zealand National Fieldays Society
Community or Not-for-Profit Event of the Year 2025 (under 3000 participants): Local Wild Food Festival – Whakatāne District Council
Community or Not-for-Profit Event of the Year 2025 (over 3000 participants): 2024 Zespri AIMS Games – AIMS Games Trust
Food, Beverage or Lifestyle Event of the Year 2025: Hastings Meatball Festival – Hastings District Council
Local Government Event of the Year 2025: Glow in the Park – Ashburton District Council
Major or Mega Event of the Year 2025: World Choir Games 2024 – New Zealand Choral Federation
Music Event of the Year 2025: SYNTHONY Festival – Duco Touring
Sports Event of the Year 2025: ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix | Auckland 2025 – F50 League NZ Ltd
Venue of the Year 2025: Isaac Theatre Royal for the NZ Squash Open 2025 Supplier of the Year 2025: EPIC! Event Structures for Te Matatini
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiative of the Year 2025: Ginger’s Pop-ups Marketing or Creative of the Year 2025: Z Manu World Champs – Quantum Events
Technology Innovation of the Year 2025: Z Manu World Champs & ManuTech Judging Software – Quantum Events
Sustainability Initiative of the Year 2025: Ripe – The Wanaka Wine and Food Festival – Otago Event Planning
Emerging Industry Professional of the Year 2025: Nathan White – Otago Event Planning Established Industry Professional of the Year 2025: Scott Rice – Quantum Events Outstanding Contribution to the Industry 2025: Loren Aberhart
New Zealand’s Favourite Event 2025: World Choir Games 2024 – New Zealand Choral Federation
