The Āpōpō Awards

Applications for 2026 are now open

Download the awards handbook for more information.

Congratulations to our 2025 Winners!

2025 Supreme Award Winner: Huarahi Tūhono – Route 52 Upgrade Project

Led by Tararua District Council with Tararua Alliance and Downer, this transformative initiative has set a new benchmark for rural connectivity, resilience, and community regeneration. The team now holds Kōmata o Te Rangi, our most prestigious taonga, representing the pinnacle of achievement in our sector.

2025 Category Winners

Sustainability: Project Reclaim – Waitaki District Council in collaboration with Morrison Low, WM New Zealand, Fulton Hogan, Tonkin + Taylor & GHC Consulting Ltd.
Community: Huarahi Tūhono – Route 52 Upgrade – Tararua District Council in partnership with Tararua Alliance and Downer.
Improvement: Measuring Quality of Corrections’ Health Assets – Ara Poutama Aotearoa Department of Corrections NZ & KPMG New Zealand.
Leadership: Peacocke Network Infrastructure – Hamilton City Council in collaboration with Southern Links Tangata Whenua Working Group, Gray Matter Ltd, BBO (Bloxam Burnett & Olliver), Edwards White Architects Ltd & HEB Construction.
Innovation: AMDS Multimodal Network Model – WSP in New Zealand & NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

Award categories

Innovation is defined as the introduction of something new, a new idea, method or device, including that which is newly derived or developed from an existing idea, method or device. The Āpōpō Guide states that “Innovation in asset management is more than just adopting new technologies; it’s about fostering a culture that values creativity, experimentation, and the willingness to challenge the status quo.”

Throughout their submission, entrants in this category should seek to demonstrate to the judging panel the innovation delivered by their project or initiative and why such innovation is exemplary in the context of infrastructure asset management excellence.

The Āpōpō Guide sets out that “Leadership is different from management, and to be a leader people must follow.” Leadership inspires and motivates others to strive to replicate or improve on the achievements exemplified.

Throughout their submission, entrants in this category should seek to demonstrate to the judging panel how their project or initiative has set a leading standard that others are, or should be, following and why such leadership is exemplary in the context of infrastructure asset management excellence.

All organisations can seek to improve their practices in their pursuit of infrastructure asset management excellence. Whether improvement is from a basic or sophisticated baseline, ensuring that the lessons of the past and advances in thinking are applied to the present is critical to advancing towards excellence.

Throughout their submission, entrants in this category should seek to demonstrate to the judging panel how their project or initiative has raised the standard of practices adopted so as to achieve exemplary outcomes not otherwise achievable in the context of infrastructure asset management excellence.

The quality of life, wellbeing, and prosperity needs of communities are the centre piece of infrastructure asset management. Whether the community is a remote rural area or a metropolitan complex, the infrastructure assets that enable the essentials of life and connection underpin the wealth, health and vitality of the people served.

Throughout their submission, entrants in this category should seek to demonstrate to the judging panel how their project or initiative is an exemplar of step change for a community in the context of infrastructure asset management excellence.

The impact of infrastructure on the natural and built environment can be significant. Creating, maintaining and renewing such infrastructure in such a way that sustainably minimises negative impacts and generates sustainably positive outcomes is critical to realising our social and cultural ambitions as a nation and obligations globally.

Throughout their submission, entrants in this category should seek to demonstrate to the judging panel how their project or initiative is an exemplar of sustainably minimising negative impacts and creating positive outcomes for the environment, in the context of infrastructure asset management excellence.