2026 Outdoors Awards Finalists announced

We are proud to announce the finalists for the 2026 Outdoors Awards, celebrating the people, organisations, and kaupapa making a meaningful impact across the outdoors sector in Aotearoa.

This year’s finalists reflect the breadth of our sector, from inclusive adventure and community safety to environmental leadership and Māori outcomes, all grounded in connection, care, and innovation.

Congratulations to our 2026 Outdoors Awards Finalists:

• Shine and Explore – West Coast Early Intervention Trust & Boyle River Outdoor Education Centre
• S2C Spellers Adventures Family Camp – First Step Outdoors
• Adventure Series – Scouts Aotearoa & Autism Kids Collective
• DPA Remote Lifejacket Station – Drowning Prevention Auckland
• COBA – Community of Bike Ambassadors Programme – The Up Cycles Charitable Trust
• The Auckland Women’s Skate Festival – The Auckland Women’s Skate Festival
• Nature’s Classroom at The Y – Camp Adair – YMCA North, The Y – Camp Adair & Te Wairoa River Restoration Project
• Kaitiaki Rangatahi Projects – Te Awanui a Rua Charitable Trust

This year’s awards also include the Te Tohu – Manu Kura / Supreme Award, recognising outstanding individual leadership in the outdoors.

Winners will be announced at the National Outdoors Hui on Thursday, 11 June 2026.