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Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari has earned recognition on both the national and regional stage, being named as a finalist in two categories in both the 2026 New Zealand Tourism Awards and in the 2026 Waikato Business Awards.
Chief executive officer Helen Hughes says Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari is unbelievably proud to be named finalists in these prestigious awards.
“We are honoured to be recognised amongst the businesses named as finalists in the New Zealand Tourism Awards and the 2026 Waikato Business Awards. The high calibre of our fellow finalist organisations reflects the breadth of inspirational mahi being undertaken across the rohe and motu, and being included is a testament to the work taking place here at Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari,” she says.
The New Zealand Tourism Awards received a record 177 entries this year, and Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari is a finalist in the KiwiRail Tourism Environment Award, which recognises organisations demonstrating leadership in environmental stewardship, and in the Avis Budget Group Community Engagement Award, which celebrates those delivering meaningful, sustained impact for their communities.
Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari has also been named as a finalist in the Innovation Award, sponsored by Company X, and the Sustainability Award, sponsored by Wintec, as part of the 2026 Waikato Business Awards. These Awards recognise outstanding achievement within the Waikato business community and celebrate the businesses, leaders and teams making a significant impact across the region.
“This regional and national recognition reflects the dedication, passion and integrity of everyone involved in caring for the maunga – our staff, volunteers, mana whenua partners, funders, supporters and community. It also speaks to the strength and impact of the conservation, cultural and community-centred work taking place on Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari – from 25 years of conservation leadership and best practice care for more than 730 native species to education programmes shaping New Zealand’s future kaitiaki, impactful cultural initiatives, the warm manaakitanga offered to visitors, community outreach that fosters connection, and thousands upon thousands of volunteer hours,” she says.
The award winners for the New Zealand Tourism Awards will be announced on Wednesday November 4, and the award winners for the Waikato Business Awards will be announced on Friday November 6.
