| Expressions of Interest for Judges and Stewards Open | 11 March 2026 |
| Expressions of Interest for Judges and Stewards Close | 15 April 2026 |
| Online Entries Open | 04 May 2026 |
| Online Entries Close | 10 June 2026 |
| Send Entries to GVI Logistics, Christchurch | 18 – 24 June 2026 |
| Judging – Riccarton Park, Christchurch | 29 June – 01 July 2026 |
| Awards Presentation Evening – Dunedin | Saturday 25 July 2026 |
Brewers Guild members receive a discounted rate to enter the NZBA. Find out more about memberships here.
* 2026-2027 Guild membership needs to be paid in full, or monthly payments need to be set up to access the discounted rate.
Celebrating success and quality in beer, the 2026 Entry Guide will be avaliable shortly. This guide outlines the full details including the classes, trophies and industry awards.
Champion New Zealand Brewing Company
Champion New Zealand Beer
Champion Large New Zealand Brewery
Champion Medium New Zealand Brewery
Champion Small New Zealand Brewery
Champion Micro New Zealand Brewery
Champion Australian Brewery
Champion Manufacturer
International Lager
NZ Lager & NZ Pilsner
NZ IPA, NZ Pale & NZ Draught
Amber/Dark Lager & Ale
British & European Ale
International Pale Ale
India Pale Ale
Juicy/Hazy IPA
Juicy/Hazy Pale Ale
Stout & Porter
Wheat & Other Grain
Fruit & Flavoured
Specialty & Experimental
No, Low & Reduced Alcohol
Barrel & Wood-Aged
The Industry Awards celebrate excellence not only in beer, but in the people and organisations that make New Zealand’s brewing sector thrive.
Packaging Award
Packaging is a vital factor in the commercial success of any brewing business. Design, aesthetics, and utility each play a crucial role in how effectively great beer reaches consumers and stands out in the market. The Packaging Award recognises New Zealand businesses that excel in these areas, celebrating outstanding achievement in this essential part of our industry.
Community Award
The Community Award recognises breweries that make a meaningful difference beyond the brewhouse. Collaboration, charitable involvement, educational initiatives, and local engagement all demonstrate the positive role breweries can play in their communities. This award celebrates businesses that contribute in ways that strengthen connection, foster belonging, and create lasting positive impact across Aotearoa.
People Award
The People Award honours individuals who lead with care, hospitality, and respect. It celebrates those who build inclusive, supportive, and empowering workplaces where people can thrive. From nurturing team culture to demonstrating compassion and integrity in leadership, this award recognises the essential human qualities that help shape a strong and sustainable brewing industry.
Future Award
The Future Award celebrates a business or individual shaping the next era of Aotearoa’s brewing industry. Innovation, vision, and future‑fit contribution sit at the heart of this category — whether through new approaches to brewing, investment in training and capability, or collaboration that strengthens the wider sector. This award recognises those whose forward‑thinking leadership helps secure a vibrant and resilient future for New Zealand beer.
Dates
04 May Entries Open
10 June Entries Close
25th July Winners announced at the 20th Anniversary Awards Gala Dinner in Dunedin
*** ENTRIES OPEN 4 MAY 2026***
Celebrating it’s 20th Year, the New Zealand Beer Awards (NZBA) recognises excellence in the production of beer, and in the broader brewing industry. The NZBA are the most prestigious awards in New Zealand’s brewing industry.
The competition is open to any brewery or beer brewing business in New Zealand. You do not have to be a Brewers Guild Member to enter the NZBA. International entries are also accepted in the International categories. Please see the Entry Guide for full details.
NZBA26 Entries Open 04 May 2026.
If you’re interested in entering the NZBA, please take the time to read carefully over the Entry Guide. You may find it helpful to have the 2026 (US) Brewers Association Style Guidelines on hand also.
Entry Guide and Style Guidelines will be provided for 2026 shortly.
You will again be using the online portal entry to submit your entries. For some help and tips on using the portal, please read over the below Entry Portal Help document.
2026 Entry Documentation will be provided shortly.
If you need support using the entry portal, please email competition@brewersguild.org.nz
| Online Entries Open | 04 May 2026 |
| Online Entries Close | 10 June 2026 |
| Send Entries to GVI Logistics, Christchurch | 18 – 24 June 2026 |
| Judging – Riccarton Park, Christchurch | 29 June – 1st July 2026 |
| Awards Presentation Evening – Dunedin | Saturday 25 July 2026 |
Please note: Guild members receive a discounted rate to enter the NZBA (your Guild membership needs to be paid in full, or monthly payments need to be set up to access the discounted rate).
Getting involved as a Steward or Judge is one of the most rewarding ways to contribute to the NZ Beer Awards and support the growth of excellence in Aotearoa’s brewing industry. Whether you’re beginning your journey through our Steward‑to‑Judge pathway or bringing experience to the judging table, you’ll play a vital role in upholding the integrity, professionalism, and spirit of the competition. Our volunteers are the heart of the Awards, and each year we welcome passionate, detail‑minded individuals who want to learn, develop, and be part of a world‑class judging environment.
Beer Judges play a vital role in the NZ Beer Awards, assessing entries with professionalism, accuracy, and a deep understanding of beer quality, style, and technical merit. Judges evaluate appearance, aroma, flavour, mouthfeel, and overall execution across a wide range of beer styles, helping ensure a fair, credible, and world‑class competition. We welcome applications from individuals with strong sensory skills, brewing knowledge, or relevant industry experience—whether you are a brewer, quality specialist, sensory panel member, or someone actively building expertise in beer evaluation. All judges are selected based on merit, experience, and the needs of the competition.
Progression is not automatic and depends on merit, performance, and formal feedback. Because we receive more applications than places, selection is competitive each year. Applicants may also be asked for a reference from a senior Brewers Guild judge, and factors such as direct brewing involvement or prior stewarding/judging experience may influence how long they spend at each stage.
Selection is competitive, and we receive more applications than places each year, so participation in previous competitions does not guarantee selection again.
As an industry we are very fortunate to have such great partners who support, sponsor and cheer our brewers, breweries and beers on from the sidelines! Without the ongoing support of our generous sponsors the New Zealand Beer Awards would not be the world-class beer competition it has become!
Not only do our sponsors support the awards, but they often give their time, knowledge and expertise to help support the industry.
So, from us to you – Cheers, and thank you for the ongoing support!
We have sponsorship opportunities available for those businesses and corporate partners who want to be a part of this year’s New Zealand beer Awards. There are sponsorship opportunities for Beer Trophies and Industry Awards still available.
The Sponsorship Prospectus for 2026 is now available, if you would like a copy please email melanie@brewersguild.org.nz
You can view the Catalogue of Results from previous years of the New Zealand Beer Awards by clicking on the following annual links:
2024,
2023,
2022,
2021,
2019,
2018,
2017,
2016,
2015,
2014,
2013,
2012,
2011,
2010,
2009,
2008,
2007
You’ll find many of these breweries and beers in beautiful places all across New Zealand. To find out more about the breweries and where you can visit them check out the NZ Ale Trail.
