The NZIOB, in partnership with Resene Paints, has established an awards programme that all students in their final year of a construction-related qualification or carpentry apprenticeship are eligible to enter. The main point of difference of these awards as compared to most existing awards programmes, is that recipients of awards will be recognised by the construction industry, as opposed to their singular profession. 

Background 

The NZIOB has been running regional student awards programmes across our three regions (Northern, Central, Southern) for many years, with some dating back to the 1980s. Since their inception, the different regional programmes have been variable in their approach to recognising top students in their respective areas. The differences include: the categories students can enter; whether the categories are judged by the NZIOB or awarded by the University or Polytechnic; whether there are prizes on offer; and the number of Universities and Polytechnics who are involved. The creation of the NZIOB National Student Awards programme seeks to provide a consistent framework across the three NZIOB regions and create an aspirational programme that will appeal to all students enrolled in construction-related programmes across New Zealand. 

Entry categories 

The categories that students or carpentry apprentices can be nominated for are: 

• Design (Architecture, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture)
• Engineering (Structural, Services, Geotechnical Engineering)
• Management (Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Project Management)
• Trades (Students enrolled in a recognised carpentry apprenticeship scheme) 

Key dates 

• Entries open – Tuesday, 1 March 2022
• Entries close – Tuesday, 31 May 2022
• Regional Award Ceremonies – Monday, 4 July to Friday, 29 July 2022
• National Category Winners and Supreme Award Winner announced at New Zealand Building Industry Awards Ceremony – Friday, 2 September 2022 

How it will work 

Stage One: Regional

• Students are nominated/enter the Awards for their region
• Each region will have its own set of judges who will select one winner for each category
• Each region has its own ‘canapes and drinks’ style awards ceremony to announce the results. The students are invited to bring their partner and/or family to the ceremony.
• The regional winners (12 in total) will each receive a $500 cash prize
• The regional winners automatically become the 12 finalists for the National Student Awards. 

Stage Two: National & Supreme 

• A separate set of ‘national’ judges assess the 12 finalists and select a national winner for each category
• The four national category winners are invited to attend the New Zealand Building Industry Awards Ceremony & Gala Dinner, held in Auckland in August/September each year
• A Supreme Award winner, chosen from the four national category winners, is announced on the night 

Entrants have the option of submitting their entry in either written or video format. Find out more and enter online at nziob.org.nz/studentawards