Before starting your submission, you may wish to review the full list of questions.

Download the PDF version of the submission form here to see all questions and prepare your responses before completing the online form.

Friday 29th May 2026 (Friday)
Applications close

June 2026
Judging period

1 July 2026 (Wednesday)
Finalists announced

5 August 2026
Winners announced at the Associations Matter Awards Dinner

ELIGIBILITY

This award is open exclusively to current financial members of NZSAE.

To be eligible:

• The nominee must be employed within a New Zealand membership organisation.
• The nominee must not currently hold the position of Chief Executive or Executive Director.
• The nominee must be a current financial member of NZSAE at the time of nomination and remain a member through to the Awards presentation.

Both self-nominations and peer nominations are accepted.

Nominees who are not current financial members of NZSAE at the time of nomination must complete membership prior to submission closing in order for the nomination to proceed.

Board members of NZSAE and members of the judging panel are not eligible to enter.

Please provide an overview of the nominee’s current role and responsibilities, including:

Scope of responsibility

Team or functional oversight (if applicable)

Key areas of influence within the organisation

Describe specific examples of leadership demonstrated in the nominee’s role.

Please include:

Initiative taken

Decisions made

Influence exercised

Measurable outcomes achieved

Submissions should demonstrate leadership behaviour and impact, not simply performance in role.

How has the nominee’s leadership contributed to strengthening the organisation?

Examples may include:

• Membership engagement improvements
• Programme or service innovation
• Financial or operational improvement
• Cultural or team development
• Provide measurable evidence where possible.

Describe how the nominee is actively developing their leadership capability.

Examples may include:

• Professional development
• Mentoring (received or provided)
• Sector engagement
• Leadership responsibilities undertaken beyond formal role

Describe a situation where the nominee stepped beyond their formal responsibilities to lead, influence or drive change.

Please outline:

• The situation
• Actions taken
• The outcome

Please provide two written referee statements (maximum 500 words each).

At least one referee must be a direct supervisor, Chief Executive, Executive Director, or Board representative.

For each referee, provide:

• Full name
• Position
• Organisation
• Relationship to nominee
• Email address

Upload referee statements below.