The Outdoor Awards celebrate individuals and organisations that have been successful in significantly improving outdoor recreation outcomes for participants and clients.

Date and format of the awards ceremony will be coming soon. Please see the bottom of the page for terms and conditions.

Need help with your nomination? 
Watch our webinar on how to make a great application here - https://vimeo.com/591397056

Te Tohu - Whaiao Māori Māori Outcomes Award  Recognises a programme or organisation making significant effort to support and engage with Tāngata Māori within outdoor recreation in Aotearoa. Judging Criteria – Te Whetū Rehua Demonstrates the use of te reo Māori me ōna tikanga – elements central to identity and the strengthening of a unique Māori identity Demonstrates a commitment to employing Māori in governance, management and/or delivery roles Engages and provides opportunities for Māori whānau, hapū and iwi Delivered in places, venues and facilities that have significance to Māori through whakapapa connections. These could be traditional or contemporary places and spaces Practices activities in outdoor environments that have whakapapa to Māori origins APPLICATIONS CLOSED

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Te Tohu - Tiakina Taiao Environmental Leadership Award Recognises a programme/organisation/event that has influenced the ecological worldview of participants and/or demonstrated a significant commitment to conservation or protection of outdoor recreation places Judging Criteria – Te Whetū Rehua  Embodies wairuatanga – nurturing a spiritual connection to all things living Positively influences the ecological worldview of participants  Shows significant commitment to the preservation of the environment and outdoor recreation places Demonstrates a commitment to operating in a manner that recognises and respects the significance of te Tiriti o Waitangi Promotes and utilises best practice in outdoor safety APPLICATIONS CLOSED

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Te Tohu - Whakaaweawe Kaupapa Outstanding Event/Programme Award Recognises the significant contribution that events and programmes make to outdoor recreation and adventure activities in New Zealand Judging Criteria – Te Whetū Rehua  Develops whanaungatanga - the process of establishing mutually beneficial relationships throughout the recreation sector  Engages with their community, meeting their needs  Demonstrates an environmentally responsible approach Demonstrates a commitment to operating in a manner that recognises and respects the significance of te Tiriti o Waitangi Promotes and utilises best practice in outdoor safety APPLICATIONS CLOSED

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Te Tohu - Manu Kura Supreme Award Recognises an individual with mana in the outdoor sector, who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in outdoor recreation Judging Criteria – Te Whetū Rehua  Embodies rangatiratanga – leadership that encourages and inspires others to achieve positive outcomes  Evidence of leadership and/or mentoring roles undertaken Contribution to significant initiatives, programmes and/or events in outdoor recreation Demonstrates a commitment to operating in a manner that recognises and respects the significance of te Tiriti o Waitangi APPLICATIONS CLOSED

​All applications are to supply:

• A written submission via the online application form which provides data/evidence to show how the applicant meets each of the judging criteria. Maximum of 400 words per criteria.
• A one minute video – to give a high-level overview of the applicant (not needed for the Supreme Award)
• Three photos – to showcase the applicant
• In addition to the above, nominations for the Supreme Award must also include letters of support for the nominated individual, from two other people

Applications/nominations must respond to each of the judging criteria specified for each award. Applications that do not address or provide relevant evidence for each criteria will likely score lower than those that do.

Photos and videos may be used to showcase the applicants and winners at the Awards Presentation Dinner. 

Who can apply? 

• Any organisation/event/programme/individual who is involved in outdoor recreation which can include outdoor education, adventure activities and Māori tourism
• An organisation/event/programme can apply for recognition themselves, or be nominated by another party 
• The Supreme Award will be awarded to an individual 
• The programme/organisation/event applying or being nominated must have operated at least biennially for a minimum of two years
• Applications can be for a specific programme within a larger organisation
• Applicants do not need to be members of Recreation Aotearoa (however will be given automatic virtual membership)