NZ Trade Group Awards 2026

The NZ Trade Group Awards celebrate the people, businesses, projects and partnerships that make our member network exceptional.

From standout workmanship and business growth to training, culture, community impact and supplier support, these awards recognise the innovation, leadership and dedication shown across NZ Trade Group.

EXPLORE THE AWARDS ↓

Enter the 2026 Member Awards

NZ Trade Group members can submit entries for three member award categories.

Entries open Tuesday 2 June and close Friday 3 July at 5pm.

All entries will be submitted through one simple online form. When completing the form, you’ll select the award category you’re entering from a dropdown menu.

You can enter more than one category, but each entry must be submitted separately.

  • Award Description: Recognizes the most outstanding and innovative electrical contracting project of the year for small / medium projects of an overall value of $500k or less.  

    Criteria:

    • Complexity, innovation, and technical excellence  

    • Adherence to budget and timeline  

    • Client satisfaction, collaboration, and post-project support 

    • Use of Preferred Supplier Product purchased through J. A. Russell Ltd or Radcliffe Electrical

  • Award Description: Recognises the most outstanding and innovative electrical contracting project of the year for medium / large projects of an overall value of over $500k or more.  

    Criteria:

    • Complexity, innovation, and technical excellence  

    • Adherence to budget and timeline  

    • Client satisfaction, collaboration, and post-project support 

    • Use of Preferred Supplier Product purchased through J. A. Russell Ltd or Radcliffe Electrical

  • Award Description: 
    Recognizes a company that adapts an inspiring, inclusive, and positive workplace culture, where employees are motivated, supported, and valued. 

    Criteria: 

    • Positive work environment that promotes collaboration, respect, and open communication 

    • Strong focus on employee well-being, mental health, and work-life balance 

    • Support for diversity, inclusion, and career advancement opportunities 

    • Employee satisfaction and high retention rates 

Enter the Member Awards >

Other Awards Presented at Konnect 2026

Alongside the member-submission categories, a number of awards will also be presented at Konnect 2026. These awards recognise achievement, loyalty, growth, supplier support, community contribution and overall excellence across the NZ Trade Group network.

These categories are selected, nominated or voted on through NZ Trade Group processes and do not require a member entry form.

  • Award Description: Celebrates a rising star or new business in the electrical contracting industry showing exceptional growth and promise.  

    Criteria:  

    • Rapid growth or success within the first few years  

    • Innovation in business practices, services, or products  

    • Strong leadership and commitment to quality, safety, and customer service 

    This award will be presented to a member who has been in business for less than 5 years, has joined NZTG and adopted all business support services, partnerships, and training from NZ Trade Group.  

    Key criteria for this award:  

    • Been a member of NZTG for at least one full financial year period.  

    • Has been in business no more than three years.  

    • Has proven a successful startup by implementing the correct process and programmes. 

    • Demonstrated a consistent increase of revenue, customer base, and staff YOY.  

    • Is purchasing all materials and demonstrates ongoing loyalty to JAR or Radcliffe Electrical  

    • Engages new staff in training and product development regularly.  

    • Runs an active marketing campaign, website, and social media for business growth. 

  • Award Description:
    This award recognises a company that has demonstrated exceptional commitment to the continuous learning and professional development of its workforce, fostering growth and expertise. 

    Criteria:

    • Implementation of comprehensive training programs for employees 

    • Strong focus on apprenticeships, certifications, and ongoing skill development 

    • Measurable improvements in employee performance and knowledge retention 

    • Investment in employee career growth, leadership development, and mentorship 

  • Award Description: Awarded to the company that has most effectively adopted Katipolt software to enhance operations and business growth.  

    Criteria:

    • Successful integration of Katipolt in daily operations  

    • Effective use of software features (quoting, project tracking, invoicing, etc.)  

    • Improvements in productivity, project management, and employee training 

    This award will be presented to a member who has committed to the use of Katipolt in all aspects of the running of their business.  

    Key criteria for this award:  

    • Has become an advocate for Katipolt and believes in its benefits  

    • Has supported other members in the adoption of Katipolt  

    • Has completed user and team training  

    • Is using all functions of Katipolt including scheduling and ordering  

    • Has provided ongoing helpful feedback to support development  

    • Has committed to a fundamental business and process change through the implementation of Katipolt Item description

     Selected by NZ Trade Group

  • This award will be presented to the member who has actively supported our preferred supplier network through J. A. Russell and Radcliffe Electrical.  

    This is based off the highest percentage spend of preferred supplier product within their total spend and is calculated on business growth between the April 2025 and March 2026 Financial Year Periods.  

     Selected by NZ Trade Group

  • Award Description: Recognizes a company’s long-term commitment and loyalty of purchasing from J. A. Russell Ltd or Radcliffe Electrical, reflecting a consistent strong and loyal partnership.  

    Criteria:

    • Consistent, long-term purchasing and strategic partnership with J. A. Russell Ltd  

    • Collaboration for business success and mutual growth 

    This award will be presented to the member that has achieved the highest increase percentage of wholesaler spend across their primary trade account at J. A. Russell Ltd or Radcliffe Electrical.  

    The amount is calculated on business growth between the April 2025 and March 2026 financial year periods.  

  • The Community Impact Award

    Award Description: Honours a business that has made a significant positive impact on the local community through charitable work or sustainability efforts.  

    Criteria:

    • Active involvement in community initiatives, charities, or workforce development  

    • Support for sustainability or educational programs  

    • Positive social responsibility beyond business operations 

    This is an award for member that acts with our core values at heart, being an all-around good bugger!! They are someone that has been nominated by a branch or another member for going above and beyond to supports the members around them, the industry or their community. They have a positive attitude and approach to making things better and demonstrates exemplary values and care. 

  • Award Description: Honours an outstanding individual who has made a significant impact through leadership, innovation, and dedication.  

    Criteria:

    • Exceptional performance contributing to company success  

    • Leadership, mentoring, and fostering a positive work environment  

    • Active professional development and contribution to organizational growth 

    This award will be presented to a member who has committed to the use of Katipolt in all aspects of the running of their business.  

    • Key criteria for this award:  

    • Has become an advocate for Katipolt and believes in its benefits  

    • Has supported other members in the adoption of Katipolt  

    • Has completed user and team training  

    • Is using all functions of Katipolt including scheduling and ordering  

    • Has provided ongoing helpful feedback to support development  

    • Has committed to a fundamental business and process change through the implementation of Katipolt 

  • This award is a presented to the top supplier among the best of the best preferred suppliers across the electrical industry.  

    Voted on by NZ Trade Group members only, this award is sought after and is not at all influenced by NZ Trade Group or the wholesaler.  

    It gives bragging rights to the winning team for their level of engagement with members, trust in their products and support and overall perception in the market.  

    One award! Finalists to be announced and total number of votes received. 

Congratulations to the conference award winners from 2023!