Congratulations to all 114 finalists and heartfelt thanks to the more than 67 judges who volunteered their time judging 722 entries across the 38 awards on offer.

Winners will be announced at the 2026 Voyager Media Awards ceremony on Friday 22 May 2026, bringing the news media industry together to celebrate excellence in New Zealand journalism and the pivotal role that our journalists play in keeping New Zealanders informed.

We are thrilled to announce that the Brian Gaynor Initiatives (BGI) is contributing a cash prize of $5,000 for the Spark NZ Business Journalist of the Year winner at this year’s Voyager Awards.

The prize is a recognition of high-quality business journalism, honouring the legacy of Brian Gaynor, one of New Zealand’s most astute and influential business columnists.

Anna Gibbons, Chair of the BGI, said: “Brian was a strong believer in the important role of high-quality business journalism in society. This prize is a further tangible commitment by the Brian Gaynor Initiatives to promote and encourage excellence in business journalism.”

Publishers can book their tickets directly with the NPA. Freelancers and other people wanting to attend can purchase their tickets online – please email voyagermediaawards@npa.co.nz to receive the link to purchase a ticket.

Date: Friday 22 May 2026
Time: Doors open at 6pm, Award Ceremony commences 7pm sharp
Venue: Millennium Ballroom, Grand Millennium, Auckland
Dress code: Black tie
Tickets: $245 (incl. GST) – includes a 3-course meal with premium drinks

Voyager Media Awards guests can enjoy a 25% discount on the best available flexible rate at the time of booking.  The link below directs guests to the booking page with the promo code applied. This offer can only be used for flexible rate bookings and is subject to availability at the time of booking.  Voyager Media Awards Accommodation Booking Link.

We are so grateful to have the continued support of our generous sponsors including:
Premier sponsor: Voyager Internet
Gold sponsors: ANZ Bank New Zealand, NZ On Air
Silver sponsors: Spark NZ, Sport NZ
Bronze sponsor: Media Copyright Agency (MCA)

Without their generous support these awards would not be possible.

Aotearoa’s national Media Awards have celebrated excellence in New Zealand journalism for 53 years. Originally known as the Qantas Press Awards, then the Canon Media Awards, Voyager Internet has been the premier sponsor since 2018. The awards are managed and promoted by the News Publishers’ Association which champions the news media industry of New Zealand.

Please direct any queries about the 2026 Voyager Media Awards to voyagermediaawards@npa.co.nz