RMLA Annual Awards 2026.
Recognising excellence in resource management law, policy and practice since 1996.
Entries close 11:59pm, 15 June 2026
Download Entry Guide
Download Entry Form
Submit your entry by email to info@rmla.org.nz
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The RMLA Awards celebrate people, projects, publications and technical work that are shaping better resource management outcomes. Entering is an opportunity to recognise leadership, share good practice, showcase impact and celebrate the people behind the work.
Celebrate meaningful contribution
Share best practice across the sector
Recognise colleagues, teams and collaborators
Build visibility for work that deserves attention
Help strengthen the resource management community
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Read the Entry Guide.
Choose the most appropriate award category.
Complete the Entry Form.
Attach or link your supporting material.
Email your completed entry to info@rmla.org.nz by 11:59pm, 15 June 2026.
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18 May 2026 - entries open
15 June 2026 at 11:59pm - entries close
24 June 2026 - Judging complete and winners notified
11 September 2026 - Awards evening
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You do not need to have a large organisation, high-profile project or perfect story to be considered. The judges are interested in contribution, impact, leadership, innovation, evidence and relevance to resource management. Self-nominations, peer nominations, collaborations and partnerships are welcome where the eligibility requirements are met.
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Entries are provided to the Awards Panel for judging and treated confidentially. If an entry is selected, RMLA may publicly describe the nominee, nominated work and award category for event, website, sponsor and promotional purposes. Please identify any confidential or commercially sensitive material in your Entry Form.
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Is my business to big or too small?
Any size organisation, as well as individuals, can enter. The judges will take the size of the organisation into account when considering applications.Can collaborations and partnerships enter?
Yes. Collaborations and partnerships are welcome — please tell us clearly who was involved and how the collaboration contributed to the outcome.Should I enter if I was not previously selected?
Yes. We want to hear about your progress and any new impact or evidence since your last nomination.Do I have to be an RMLA member to enter?
It depends on the award. Some individual awards require current RMLA membership; Pikopiko-i-Whiti does not. For group awards, at least half of contributors are expected to be current RMLA members.Is it cheeky to nominate myself?
Definitely not. You can nominate yourself, someone can nominate you, or you can nominate someone else. Good work should be shared.Can I submit more than one entry?
Yes. You can submit more than one entry, but please complete a separate entry for each category and provide information specific to that category.Who gets to see my entry? Is it confidential?
Entries are compiled by RMLA and provided to the Awards Panel. Your entry is treated confidentially, but if you are selected, we will need to publicly describe the work being recognised.Can I enter if I’ve won before?
Yes, where the nomination meets the relevant eligibility requirements. Previous winners are welcome to enter new or materially different work.
Award Categories
Project Award: Celebrates innovative projects contributing to RM practice or law.
Outstanding Person Award: For nationally recognised leadership and impact in RM.
Regional Award: Recognises a significant local contribution to RM in a specific region.
Technical Documentation Award: Honours excellence in policy, planning, or guidance documents.
Publications Award: Recognises publications that significantly advance RM knowledge or practice.
Pikopiko-i-Whiti – Emerging Practitioner Award: For a young kaitiaki showing leadership and commitment to te taiao.
The Principal Judge R J Bollard Lifetime Commemorative Award: A special honour for lifetime contribution to the profession.
For eligibility, criteria and supporting material requirements, please read the Entry Guide.
Need inspiration? Explore past award winners.
Read about previous recipients and the work recognised by RMLA. These examples may help you understand the breadth, quality and impact of successful entries.