The New Zealand Founder Awards 2026
By Make It Happen
From side hustles started on kitchen tables to seven-figure businesses built from scratch, New Zealand is home to some of the most determined, creative, and courageous entrepreneurs in the world!!
The New Zealand Founder Awards was created to celebrate them.
Backed by Make It Happen, one of New Zealand's largest business education communities with over 4,000 members, dedicated to helping founders build and scale, these awards shine a spotlight on the business owners who back themselves, do the work, and refuse to quit.
Whether you're in your first year or your tenth. Whether you bootstrapped from nothing or scaled to something extraordinary. Whether you're a solo founder or leading a team... if you're building something real, you belong here.
Nominations are open. Apply now!
TIMELINE
2 June: Nominations Open
19 June: Nominations Close
22 June: Finalists Announced + Voting + Ticket will be available.
13 July: Voting Closes
14 August: Awards Dinner + Winner Announcements
AWARDS NIGHT DETAILS
Time: 7PM - 10PM
Date: Friday 14th August 2026
Venue: Park Hyatt, Auckland, New Zealand
Dress Code: Formal / Gala
This will be a night to celebrate the founders building something remarkable in New Zealand, and connect with the people doing the same.
AWARD CATEGORIES
Emerging Founder of the Year
For founders 1-3 years in who are already making a real impact. This award recognises early traction, a growing customer base, and a clear vision for what's ahead.
Fast Growth Award
For the business that has had a standout 12 months. This award recognises significant growth in revenue, audience, team size, or market reach — and the strategy and execution that made it happen
Product/Brand of the Year
For the business that has built something truly memorable. This award recognises a product or brand that stands out in its market — through exceptional design, a clear point of difference, and the kind of quality that turns first-time buyers into loyal fans.
Marketing Excellence Award
For the business with a brand and marketing strategy that truly cuts through. This award recognises outstanding work across social media, advertising, content, or branding.
Community Impact Award
For businesses that have made a meaningful contribution to the local community through support, partnerships, initiatives, or social impact, proving that doing good and doing well aren't mutually exclusive.
Business of the Year
For businesses 3+ years in that have built something with real staying power. This award recognises long-term success, strong leadership, and the ability to grow and adapt over time.
Founder of the Year
The premier award of the night. This award recognises an outstanding all-round founder excelling across leadership, growth, innovation, customer experience, and community impact.
People's Choice Award
Voted entirely by the public. This award goes to the founder who has built the most genuine support, loyalty, and love from their customers and community.
Meet the MIH New Zealand Founder of the Year 2026 Judges
Iyia Liu
Iyia Liu is a New Zealand entrepreneur and business mentor known for building and scaling multiple successful e-commerce brands. She is passionate about empowering women in business and helping founders turn ideas into scalable, profitable companies.
Simran Kaur
Simran Kaur is the founder of Friends That Invest, a global investing education platform and podcast making finance accessible for women. She is a leading voice in financial literacy, helping a new generation build wealth and confidence with money.
Kennedy Anderson
Kennedy Anderson is the founder of The Whitening Co, a fast-growing oral care and teeth whitening brand. He is recognised for his strong brand-building expertise, product innovation, and ability to scale consumer-focused businesses.
Ashleigh Scott
Ashleigh Scott is a New Zealand entrepreneur and beauty industry leader, best known as the founder of The Facialist, Gulp, and Noody. Over the past 12 years, she has built The Facialist into one of Auckland’s most respected skin clinics, known for its results-driven treatments and exceptional client experience.
Awards Night
An exclusive evening for finalists and the community. Dress up, take your seat, and enjoy a night of recognition, connection, and celebration.
Celebration
Expect an incredible evening of awards, acknowledgment, and a room full of inspiring business owners cheering each other on.