Valentina Machina honoured for lasting contribution to New Zealand design

By Webfit News | 15 October 2026

Years of often behind-the-scenes support for New Zealand’s design community have earned Valentina Machina FDINZ the 2026 Toi Manahau Designers Institute Black Pin.

Presented at the Best Design Awards, the honour recognises an Institute member who has made a lasting and valuable contribution to the design profession and design culture in Aotearoa.

For Machina, the recognition celebrates not only her professional achievements, but also the time, knowledge and encouragement she has given to others.

Recognition beyond her own work

In its award tribute, the Designers Institute highlighted Machina’s longstanding involvement with Best, DINZ and the wider design community.

It credited her with helping bring people together, supporting professional excellence and creating opportunities for others. Much of that contribution, the tribute noted, has happened away from public view.

Whether sharing knowledge, making introductions or stepping forward when help was needed, Machina was recognised as someone whose commitment extended beyond her own career.

The Institute described her as a respected leader who had contributed generously without seeking attention or recognition.

Supporting the next generation

A central theme of the tribute was Machina’s support for emerging designers.

The Institute acknowledged her efforts to help younger practitioners enter a profession with stronger connections and a community better equipped to support them.

That focus gives the award a significance beyond individual achievement. It recognises the work involved in sustaining a profession: passing on experience, encouraging participation and helping others find their place.

A moment in the spotlight

The tribute portrayed Machina as someone more comfortable contributing than receiving praise. At this year’s Best Design Awards, that quiet service became the reason to put her in the spotlight.

The 2026 Black Pin recognises both what she has achieved and what she has helped make possible for others, honouring a contribution to New Zealand design that reaches well beyond her own work.

Source: Designers Institute of New Zealand and Best Design Awards.