IIA NZ Awards & Presentations 2026

IIA NZ Conference Gala Awards Cocktail Event - Peretū Harbour Cruise

IIA NZ is delighted to host the IIA NZ Pre-Conference 2026 Gala Awards Cocktail Event aboard Peretū, offering delegates a memorable evening on Auckland’s Waitematā Harbour on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, from 6.30 pm to 9.30 pm as part of the conference programme.

With the theme Anchored in Recognition. A Night on the Water: Celebrating Excellence in Internal Audit, this special event will recognise the recipients of the IIA NZ Awards 2026 while bringing delegates together for an enjoyable evening of connection, celebration and networking on Auckland’s Waitematā Harbour.

Guests will enjoy a three-hour harbour cruise aboard Peretū, a purpose-built cruise and dining vessel with spaces across three levels, including a dining room, cocktail lounge and open-air roof deck. The evening will include a deli 2-course buffet, a three-hour beverage package including house wine, beer and soft drinks, and the opportunity to enjoy Auckland’s skyline from the water.

Dress code

Delegates are encouraged to embrace the occasion and come in fancy dress, or alternatively wear smart business attire. Whether you choose to dress up or keep it classic, this is an opportunity to add a little fun and flair to the start of the conference.

Key considerations

Places are limited due to the vessel’s maximum capacity, and attendance will be managed through the conference registration process. Delegates are encouraged to register early if they wish to attend this event.

Key event considerations, including arrival time, strict boarding requirements, vessel access, weather conditions, catering arrangements and movement on the water, are noted below for delegates’ reference. Further information will also be provided in the IIA NZ Conference 2026 Delegate Handbook.
  • Strict boarding time: Guests must be onboard before 6.15 pm for the 6.30 pm sailing. Late arrivals may not be able to board once departure procedures are underway.
  • Stairs and accessibility: Peretū has three levels accessed by stairs only. Guests must be able to independently board, disembark and move between levels. There is no additional accessibility access available on the vessel.
  • Weather and movement on the water: The event will proceed rain or shine. Guests should dress for the conditions and bring a warm layer. The vessel may pitch and roll during the cruise, and if weather conditions are extremely poor, the vessel will remain berthed, and the event will continue onboard.

Please refer to the IIA NZ Conference 2026 programme for the latest information.


IIA NZ Awards 2026: Call for Nominations Have Now Opened

Nominations close on 1 October 2026

Set against the beautiful backdrop of Auckland’s Waitematā Harbour, this special evening will bring delegates together to celebrate excellence in internal audit, recognise the recipients of the IIA NZ Awards 2026, and connect with colleagues, speakers, sponsors and members of the wider internal audit community.

The evening will feature:

  • IIA NZ Awards 2026 presentations recognising outstanding contribution, service, innovation and leadership within the internal audit profession
  • A relaxed harbour cruise experience designed to encourage connection, celebration and conversation
  • Networking with internal audit leaders, CAEs, speakers, sponsors and professionals from across Aotearoa New Zealand and the Pacific
  • A fun and festive dress code, with guests encouraged to wear water-themed fancy dress or business casual / cocktail attire
  • A memorable evening aboard Peretū as we celebrate the people and achievements that continue to strengthen the profession

Whether you are a long-standing member of the IIA NZ community or newer to the profession, this event is an opportunity to come together, recognise excellence, and celebrate the impact of internal audit in building trust, strengthening governance and supporting ethical, future-ready organisations.

IIA NZ Membership Tenure Certificate Presentation


The Membership Tenure Certificate recognition are scheduled for:

Wednesday 4 November 2026: Conference Day One at Crowne Plaza Auckland.

11.45 am – 12.00 pm

The recipient will receive:

  • A tenure pin or certificate acknowledging and symbolising each member’s longstanding commitment and duration of membership with IIA NZ.

Those members whose 5-year incremental anniversary falls in 2026 will be invited to receive an IIA NZ Membership Tenure Certificate at the IIA NZ Conference 2026. This special recognition is exclusively awarded in person to registered attendees.

Disclaimer: Please note that due to system updates and historical data changes over the years, membership tenure has been determined based on the best available information from The IIA (Global) records. While we consider these records the primary source of truth, there may be discrepancies beyond our control.


IIA NZ Awards 2026

IIA NZ celebrates the achievements of internal audit professionals and those who champion our work each year.

Nominations are now open and close on 1 October 2026

Download a copy of the IIA NZ Awards Nominee Guidance Booklet 2026

SUBMIT A NOMINATION

Internal Auditor of the Year 2026

Our supreme award for individuals in the Internal Auditing Profession

This award will be presented at the IIA NZ Conference 2026. The award recipient will receive:

  • A trophy award engraved with the recipient’s name
  • A personalised certificate recognising the achievement

Emerging Internal Auditor of the Year 2026

Recognising a new Internal Auditing Professional

This award will be presented at the IIA NZ Conference 2026. The award recipient will receive:

  • A trophy award engraved with the recipient’s name
  • A personalised certificate recognising the achievement

Team Excellence in Internal Auditing 2026

Team Contribution to Internal Auditing

This award will be presented at the IIA NZ Conference 2026. The award recipient will receive:

  • A trophy award engraved with the organisations name
  • A certificate recognising the achievement
  • A $300 restaurant voucher

Best Contribution to the Profession in NZ 2026

Enhancing the Profession in NZ (IIA NZ Board only nomination)

This award will be presented at the IIA NZ Conference 2026. The award recipient will receive:

  • A trophy award engraved with the recipient’s name
  • A personalised certificate recognising the achievement

Pacific Internal Auditor of the Year Award 2026

To recognise and honour individuals within the Pacific region who have actively contributed to their communities and have demonstrably enhanced the internal audit profession in the Pacific.


This award will be presented at the IIA NZ Conference 2026. The award recipient will receive:
  • A trophy award engraved with the recipient’s name
  • A personalised certificate recognising the achievement

This is an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate individuals and organisations that have made a meaningful contribution to the internal audit profession.

To submit a nomination, please use the link below. You will be asked to provide your details and upload any supporting documentation as part of your submission.

IIA NZ Life and Fellow Awards 2026

The IIA NZ Life Member and Fellow Member awards hold a special place in our hearts as we take a moment to honour those exceptional individuals who have made significant contributions to our organisation. These prestigious awards recognise the dedication, commitment, and outstanding achievements of individuals who have gone above and beyond in advancing the field of Internal Auditing.

Through their unwavering support and expertise, these awardees have enriched the profession, inspired their peers, and left a lasting impact on the industry. As we gather to celebrate their accomplishments, we express our gratitude for their exceptional service and commitment to excellence.

Their remarkable contributions have paved the way for the advancement of Internal Auditing, and we are proud to acknowledge and celebrate these esteemed members who have made a profound difference in the world of Internal Audit.

Congratulations to our past Life Members and Fellow Members, your legacy will continue to inspire and shape the future of our profession.

Please note: Any Member Awards presented at the IIA NZ Conference 2026 Gala Awards Cocktail Event will be determined by the 2025–2026 IIA NZ Board and will reflect the 2025–2026 governance year.

These awards are presented once a year as part of the IIA NZ Conference Awards programme. All nomination recommendations received will relate to the previous tenure year, ending 30 April 2026 ahead of the AGM, in line with the current IIA NZ Board term running from June to May.

For example, a nomination received in March 2026 will be considered under the 2025–2026 governance year and, if successful, the award will be presented at the IIA NZ Conference 2026 Gala Awards Cocktail Event in November 2026.


Fellow Member Award - FIIA (NZ)

The classification FELLOW of The Institute may be awarded by the Board to a person of any member classification except Student, who have performed meritorious service to The Institute.

Nominations are to be made in writing to the Secretariat for submission to the Membership Committee who will make recommendations to the Board at its next meeting and are subject to the following criteria:

  1. The award of Fellow will be limited to 15% of total of The Institute of Internal Auditors New Zealand.
  2. Nomination by any five [5] members of The Institute of Internal Auditors New Zealand.
  3. The award is subject to approval by all members of the Board present at a duly constituted meeting.
  4. The award carries the designation of FIIA (NZ) and such designation will be lost if membership of The IIA NZ is not maintained.

Full voting rights will be accorded to Fellow Members. No discount of Membership fees is extended through this membership classification.

    Life Member Award - LMIIA (NZ)

    Life Member is the highest honour that can be awarded by the IIA NZ.

    The classification of LIFE MEMBER may be awarded by the Board to distinguished Fellows, Associates, Full Members, individuals via an Organisation membership, or Retired/On Leave Members, who have contributed significantly to the cause of Internal Auditing in New Zealand or elsewhere, over the course of their career for a sustained period, subject to the following criteria:

    1. The award will be limited to 5% of total membership of The Institute of Internal Auditors New Zealand.
    2. Life Members retain any designation that they held prior to the award of Life Membership.
    3. The award is subject to approval by all members of the Board present at a duly constituted meeting.
    Nominations are to be made in writing to the Secretariat for submission to the Board at its next meeting.

    Full voting rights will be accorded to Life Members. No membership fee is payable for Life Members.

      Honorary Fellow - (Hon) FIIA (NZ)

      The classification of HONORARY FELLOW may be awarded by the Board to those persons, not being a Member of The Institute, who have made a significant contribution to the development and progress of the profession of Internal Auditing in New Zealand or elsewhere.

      Nominations are to be made in writing to the Secretariat for submission to the Membership Committee who will make recommendations to the Board at its next meeting, and are subject to the following criteria:

      1. The award is the highest award The Institute can make to a non-member.
      2. The award is limited to twelve (12) persons at any one time.
      3. The award carries no voting rights in The Institute.
      4. The award carries the designation of (Hon) FIIA (NZ).
      5. The award is subject to approval by all members of the Board present at a duly constituted meeting.

      No membership fee is payable for Honorary Fellow members.

      No voting rights will be accorded to Honorary Fellow members.



      Speakers & Sessions


      Anthony Pugliese
      Amy Scott
      Wade Jackson       		Andrew McConnell

      Anne Tolley


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