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EY Entrepreneur Of The Year New Zealand
EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2026 nominations are now closed.
About the programme
From creating disruptive technologies and transforming consumer journeys, to building new communities and driving positive social change, there’s no limit to the creativity of New entrepreneurs — and the stories we want to share. Launched here in 1998 the programme has grown in profile each year and is now recognised as a leading business award in New Zealand, consistent with its global status.
The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year programme shines a spotlight on entrepreneurs across New Zealand who master the artful balance of passion, determination, character, and skill to create businesses that address the most complex challenges and build a better working world. By joining the programme, you’ll have the opportunity to celebrate success with your team, inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs and gain access to an exclusive global network of programme participants that help to build connections, fuel success and navigate long-term growth.
If you or someone you know is turning ground-breaking ideas into innovative businesses, we want to help celebrate that success today.
At EY, we support entrepreneurship for all — not just today, not just tomorrow, but for the next century and beyond. The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year programme recognises and celebrates the spirit and contribution of exceptional entrepreneurs. These are the individuals who see things beyond the horizon and help shape the future. By challenging orthodox methods and creating new markets for goods and services, entrepreneurs positively disrupt the way we do business and help enhance our quality of life.
We are delighted that the following organisations are sponsoring the program:
Travel sponsor
Air New Zealand is proud to support the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards. The airline facilitates many customer journeys to, from and within New Zealand each year, connecting Kiwis with the world. It’s therefore fitting that we support these awards which recognise some of New Zealand’s brightest stars in their respective fields.
Digital billboard sponsor
After winning the Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2000, Go Media’s Co-Founder and Managing Director, Mike Gray, has played an integral part in helping budding entrepreneurs and grassroots organisations reach their full potential in Aotearoa. As a company fueled by entrepreneurship, innovation and a passion for backing all things Aotearoa, it only makes sense that Go Media have come on board to support this years’ awards programme.
Women in Leadership Sponsor
Connected Leadership is a New Zealand-grown leadership development community, supporting women in entrepreneurship and leadership to grow as connected, courageous leaders. Through executive coaching, facilitated peer advisory tables, leadership programmes and community, Connected Leadership helps women founders and leaders strengthen their capability, confidence and connection as they build businesses, lead teams and shape what comes next. Founded by Dr Sue Watson, Connected Leadership brings together a community of more than 2,000 women leaders, entrepreneurs and founders across Aotearoa.
Storytelling sponsor
Thompson Spencer is a global, socially-led, full service creative and media agency that propels ambitious companies to phenomenal results. Led by founders Melanie Spencer and Wendy Thompson (2022 EY Entrepreneur of the year finalist) they deliver deliver seamless solutions for all your creative and media needs, from Tiktoks in Taupō to TV in Toowomba. As the stars recognised in these awards take the world stage, Thompson Spencer is right beside them, bringing them the ease and efficiency of working with one team of experts around the world.
Tax empowerment sponsor
Tax Traders works with over 3,500 accountants, providing smart fintech tools that allow businesses to pay their provisional tax when they want and how they want with significant savings. As a proud B Corp, it’s committed to an inclusive, equitable and regenerative economy. Tax Traders was founded in 2012 on the belief that the benefits of our tax system should be available to everyone.
EY Contacts
National
Jason Macgregor
Program Director
Tel: +64 274 899 504
Rebecca Seymour-East
Program Manager
Tel: +27 687 8977