Te Mahi Ako awards and scholarships
Celebrating achievement across our industries.
Every year, Te Mahi Ako recognises people and organisations who are making a difference through learning, leadership, professional development and their contribution to our industries and communities.
Our awards celebrate outstanding ākonga, apprentices, workplaces, businesses, volunteers, support people and industry professionals. They recognise not only achievement, but also the commitment, perseverance and support that help people and organisations succeed.
From individual excellence to organisations that invest in their people, our awards are about celebrating the people behind the success of our industries.
Apprentice of the year
The Te Mahi Ako Apprentice of the Year recognises an outstanding apprentice who has demonstrated a strong commitment to their apprenticeship, workplace and industry.
The award celebrates someone who is passionate about their industry, has completed their qualification to a high standard and continues to make a positive contribution in the workplace.
The recipient receives:
- $1,000 cash prize
- Apprentice of the Year trophy
- Travel and accommodation to attend the award presentation.
Exercise industry awards
Our exercise industry awards recognise individuals and businesses that demonstrate excellence, leadership and a commitment to developing people within the exercise industry.
Manukura award - Individual award
The Manukura award recognises an outstanding individual in the exercise industry who demonstrates leadership, professionalism and a commitment to excellence.
The award celebrates someone who makes a positive difference to their workplace, supports others, invests in their own professional development and contributes to a stronger exercise industry.
We look for individuals who demonstrate:
- Leadership and professionalism
- Commitment to ongoing learning and development
- Support for colleagues and learners
- Positive influence within their workplace and community
- A commitment to quality and industry best practice.
Te Iti Kahurangi award - Business award
The Te Iti Kahurangi award recognises an exercise business that demonstrates a strong commitment to its people, learning and the development of a capable workforce.
The award celebrates businesses that support their staff to learn, grow and succeed, while contributing positively to the wider exercise industry.
We look for businesses that demonstrate:
- A strong learning and development culture
- Support for staff qualifications and professional development
- Commitment to learners and their success
- Positive workplace culture
- Leadership and innovation within the exercise industry.
All exercise award recipients are subject to Te Mahi Ako quality and assurance checks to ensure they meet the required standards.
Lifeguard of the year
The lifeguard of the year award recognises an outstanding lifeguard who demonstrates professionalism, leadership and a commitment to keeping people safe.
The award celebrates excellence in lifeguarding, teamwork, ongoing learning and making a positive contribution to the workplace and wider aquatics community.
Award: Trophy and $1,000 towards ongoing professional development with Te Mahi Ako.
Rookie swim teacher of the year
The rookie swim teacher of the year award recognises an emerging swim teacher who has demonstrated exceptional commitment, enthusiasm and potential early in their teaching career.
The award celebrates someone who is developing their skills, creates positive experiences for learners and shows a strong commitment to becoming an excellent swim teacher.
Award: Certificate and $1,000 towards ongoing professional development with Te Mahi Ako.
Scholarships
Te Mahi Ako also supports scholarships that help people continue their education, professional development and contribution to their communities.
Small business scholarship
The small business scholarship supports a small business within the Te Mahi Ako network that demonstrates a commitment to developing its people.
The scholarship provides financial support towards future Te Mahi Ako enrolments, helping the business continue to build skills and capability within its workforce.
Volunteer scholarship
The volunteer scholarship recognises an individual who volunteers, or works with volunteers, and makes a positive contribution to their community.
The scholarship supports future learning and development through Te Mahi Ako and celebrates people who give their time, skills and energy to help others.
Māori sports scholarship
Te Mahi Ako supports the Māori sports scholarship, which recognises a young person who has demonstrated achievement and potential in sport and is moving from secondary school into tertiary education.
The scholarship provides $5,000 towards their tertiary education and supports the recipient as they take the next step in their education and sporting journey.
Celebrating the people who make a difference
Our awards are an opportunity to recognise the people and organisations who contribute to stronger workplaces, better learning experiences and thriving communities.
We are proud to celebrate their achievements and the positive difference they make across our industries.
Congratulations to all of our award recipients.