Nominations are open for the 2026 BLAKE Awards, with organisers calling on New Zealanders to put forward the environmental leaders making a real difference in their communities, classrooms, and industries.
Running since 2005, the awards celebrate outstanding environmental leadership across six individual categories and one group award. The categories follow the same format as 2025: Pūtaiao/Science (sponsored by Earth Sciences New Zealand), Pakihi Auaha/Business, Whakakakau/Communication, Mātauranga/Education, Poutoko Hapori/Community, and Rangatira mō āpōpō/Young Leader, open to those aged 24 and under.
The Ngā Kura/Schools category returns for a second year after a strong debut in 2025, when Stratford Primary School in Taranaki took the inaugural award. It is the only group award in the programme and is open to schools of any age group. BLAKE expects a strong showing in the category again this year.
Sitting above all categories is the BLAKE Medal, most recently received by Sir Alan Mark, recognising an individual whose environmental work has made a significant impact.
"We are delighted to once again showcase incredible people having a powerful impact in New Zealand's environmental space. The BLAKE Awards are set apart by their unique focus on environmental leadership and showcase Sir Peter Blake's legacy in honouring those making a difference," says BLAKE CEO James Gibson.
Last year's recipients reflect the breadth of work the awards recognise. Riley Hathaway took the Young Leader award, Emeritus Professors Steve Dawson and Liz Slooten won Science, and Michael Eaglen was recognised in Business. Claire Roper received the Community award, Nikora Ngaropo Communication, and Sally Carson Education.
The nomination window runs from 27 July to 24 September, with submissions made through a straightforward online process. For more information, contact Hana Hielkema at hana.hielkema@blakenz.org.
