27 nominations celebrate women shaping New Zealand's aquaculture industry

From marine farming and scientific research to leadership and mentoring, women across Aotearoa's aquaculture sector are being recognised in the 2026 Women of Aquaculture Aotearoa Awards. Winners will be announced in Nelson on 14 October.

Twenty-seven nominations have been received for the 2026 Women of Aquaculture Aotearoa (WoAA) Awards, recognising the contributions of women working across New Zealand's aquaculture industry.

Now in their second year, the awards celebrate established industry leaders alongside emerging talent, highlighting contributions in science, farming, innovation, education, mentoring and community service.

Supported by Aquaculture New Zealand (AQNZ), the awards aim to bring greater visibility to women whose work contributes to the development of the sector.

Recognising contributions that often go unseen

AQNZ Chief Executive Teena (Tee) Hale Pennington says Women of Aquaculture Aotearoa grew from the vision of its co-founders, Caroline Gilbertson and Áine O'Neill.

“They recognised there were extraordinary wāhine making valuable contributions across our aquaculture sector whose stories were not always visible,” Hale Pennington said.

She said the initiative had created opportunities to recognise achievement, strengthen professional connections and encourage more women to participate in the industry.

“Through their leadership, Women of Aquaculture Aotearoa has created a platform to celebrate achievement, build confidence, foster connection, and inspire the next generation of women in our industry.”

Nominations have come from colleagues, employers, business partners, mentors, students, clients, friends and whānau.

Hale Pennington said the response demonstrated the respect and appreciation people held for women working throughout the sector.

“It has been a privilege to see the effort people have made to acknowledge each nominee and celebrate their mahi,” she said.

Two awards recognising different contributions

The nominations are divided into two categories.

The Outstanding Service Award recognises women who have made significant and enduring contributions to aquaculture in New Zealand.

The Excellence Award focuses on achievements over the past year, including leadership, innovation, resilience and outstanding performance.

Outstanding Service Award nominees

This category recognises sustained contributions through leadership, service, mentorship, innovation and essential work behind the scenes.

Excellence Award nominees

The Excellence Award recognises women whose achievements have stood out during the past year, including emerging talent and those demonstrating leadership, resilience and innovation.

Several women appear in both categories, reflecting recognition for their contributions over time as well as their more recent achievements.

The nominees represent a broad range of organisations, including commercial aquaculture businesses, research institutions, government agencies and industry associations.

Who will judge the awards?

The judging panel brings together representatives from aquaculture leadership, marine farming and the wider seafood industry.

Winners to be announced in Nelson

The 2026 Women of Aquaculture Aotearoa Award winners will be announced at the Aquaculture New Zealand Conference in Nelson on 14 October.

The awards provide an opportunity to recognise women working across the industry, from those developing new technologies and conducting scientific research to those supporting marine farming operations and mentoring future industry professionals.

For Hale Pennington, the nominations demonstrate the strength of the community behind the sector.

The awards also highlight the work of women whose contributions may not always receive public recognition, despite their importance to aquaculture in Aotearoa.

Source: Aquaculture New Zealand, Women of Aquaculture Aotearoa Awards 2026 announcement.