Outdoors Awards 2026 celebrate leadership, innovation, and impact
June 15, 2026
Leaders, organisations, and programmes helping New Zealanders connect with the outdoors have been recognised at the 2026 Outdoors Awards, highlighting the passion, collaboration, and innovation driving the sector forward.
Award winners
Te Tohu – Tiakina Taiao / Environmental Leadership Award
Winner: Nature’s Classroom at The Y – Camp Adair — YMCA North & Te Wairoa River Restoration Project
Recognised for connecting tamariki with the natural environment through hands-on learning and fostering environmental guardianship.
Winner: Nature’s Classroom at The Y – Camp Adair — YMCA North & Te Wairoa River Restoration Project
Recognised for connecting tamariki with the natural environment through hands-on learning and fostering environmental guardianship.
Te Tohu – Whakaaweawe Kaupapa / Outstanding Event or Programme
Winner: Adventure Series — Scouts Aotearoa & Autism Kids Collective
Merit: COBA – Community of Bike Ambassadors Programme — Up Cycles Trust
The Adventure Series was celebrated for building confidence, connection, and outdoor experiences for tamariki with autism, while COBA was acknowledged for growing a positive cycling culture in Central Otago.
Winner: Adventure Series — Scouts Aotearoa & Autism Kids Collective
Merit: COBA – Community of Bike Ambassadors Programme — Up Cycles Trust
The Adventure Series was celebrated for building confidence, connection, and outdoor experiences for tamariki with autism, while COBA was acknowledged for growing a positive cycling culture in Central Otago.
Te Tohu – Whaiao Māori / Māori Outcomes Award
Winner: Kaitiaki Rangatahi Projects — Te Awanui a Rua Charitable Trust
Honoured for empowering rangatahi to become cultural leaders and kaitiaki of their whenua and communities.
Winner: Kaitiaki Rangatahi Projects — Te Awanui a Rua Charitable Trust
Honoured for empowering rangatahi to become cultural leaders and kaitiaki of their whenua and communities.
Te Tohu – Manu Kura / Supreme Award
Winner: Mark Mandeno — AdventureWorks
Mark Mandeno has been honoured for his leadership and commitment to helping people grow through outdoor experiences. Through AdventureWorks, he champions resilience, inclusion, and personal development, encouraging others to see challenge as a pathway to strength.
Winner: Mark Mandeno — AdventureWorks
Mark Mandeno has been honoured for his leadership and commitment to helping people grow through outdoor experiences. Through AdventureWorks, he champions resilience, inclusion, and personal development, encouraging others to see challenge as a pathway to strength.
Celebrating the outdoors community
This year’s awards recognise the diverse ways individuals and organisations are creating meaningful opportunities for people to connect with nature, themselves, and each other.
From environmental restoration and youth leadership to inclusive programmes and community initiatives, the winners reflect a sector committed to making the outdoors more accessible, enriching, and impactful for all.
Mihi nui to everyone involved, from organisers and supporters to participants and advocates, for your ongoing contribution to strengthening the outdoors in Aotearoa.