Award description

This award recognises the skill involved in feature photography, including portraits, fashion, food and architecture.

Entry criteria

1. This award is for work published in New Zealand-based newspapers, magazines, trade publications and/or websites during 2023. Entries may include work published on a public social media account, but not on a private account. Unpublished work is ineligible.
2. Entrants must submit FIVE feature-style photos.
3. The portfolio can be a mixture of work or five of the same type of images, eg. all portraits.
4. Entries to this award may be entered as part of a portfolio for Photographer of the Year.
5. Entrants must provide a caption for each photo to explain the context and give details of where and when the photo was published.
6. Entrants may write a statement of support of up to 100 words giving relevant background that may be useful to the judges. This could include details of perseverance, initiative used, exclusivity, problems faced or efforts made to achieve a particular shot.

Award description

This award recognises the skill involved in news photography, capturing outstanding images of news stories and events.

Entry criteria

1. This award is for work published in New Zealand-based newspapers, magazines, trade publications and/or websites during 2023. Entries may include work published on a public social media account, but not on a private account. Unpublished work is ineligible.
2. Entrants must submit FIVE news-related photos.
3. Entries to this award may be entered as part of a portfolio for Photographer of the Year.
4. Entrants must provide a caption for each photo to explain the context and give details of where and when the photo was published.
5. Entrants may write a statement of support of up to 100 words giving relevant background that may be useful to the judges. This could include details of perseverance, initiative used, exclusivity, problems faced or efforts made to achieve a particular shot.

Award description

This award recognises the skill involved in sports photography, capturing the dramatic highs and lows of sporting performance or related activity.

Entry criteria

1. This award is for work published in New Zealand-based newspapers, magazines, trade publications and/or websites during 2023. Entries may include work published on a public social media account, but not on a private account. Unpublished work is ineligible.
2. Entrants must submit FIVE sports-related photos.
3. Entries to this award may be entered as part of a portfolio for Photographer of the Year.
4. Entrants must provide a caption for each photo to explain the context and give details of where and when the photo was published.
5. Entrants may write a statement of support of up to 100 words giving relevant background that may be useful to the judges. This could include details of perseverance, initiative used, exclusivity, problems faced or efforts made to achieve a particular shot.

Award description

This award recognises excellence in photography as demonstrated by a portfolio of between 8 and 12 images showing the photographer’s diverse range and technical skill.
The winner will receive the Press Photographer of the Year trophy.

Entry criteria

1. This award is for work published in New Zealand-based newspapers, magazines, trade publications and/or websites during 2023. Entries may include work published on a public social media account, but not on a private account. Unpublished work is ineligible.
2. Entrants must submit a portfolio of between 8 and 12 photos on any subject.
3. The portfolio should demonstrate diversity.
4. Work entered in specialist photography awards (Features; News; Sport) may be included in this portfolio.
5. Entrants must provide a caption with each photo to explain the context and give details of where and when the photo was published.
6. Entrants may write a statement of support of up to 300 words giving relevant background that may be useful to the judges. This could include details of perseverance, initiative used, exclusivity, problems faced or efforts made to achieve a particular shot.

Award description

This award recognises comment/opinion, analysis and critique and includes columnists, reviewers, opinion writers and commentators across all topics of discussion.

Entry criteria

1. This award is for work published in New Zealand-based newspapers, magazines and/or websites, or broadcast on radio or television during 2023.
2. Entrants must submit a portfolio of THREE examples of their work (not necessarily related). News reporting will not be considered. The examples may include print and digital writing, including individual columns, editorials and blogs or a combination.
3. Entrants must include details of when and where the work was published.
4. Entrants must submit a statement of support of up to 300 words, giving relevant background to the entry.

Award description

This award recognises the best of our ‘up and coming’ journalists, including junior and student journalists.

Entry criteria

1. This award is for work published in New Zealand-based newspapers, magazines and/or websites, or broadcast on radio or television during 2023.
2. Entrants must have been employed as a journalist or active as a freelancer for three years or less at the time the stories appeared. Students and interns may also enter this category.
3. Entrants must submit THREE stories on any subject.
4. Multi-part stories are permitted – but no more than two parts of the series may be presented as one of the required items.  This could be a two-part story, or two parts from a specific series. Follow-up articles to an original story do not qualify as a two-part submission. Please refer to our Terms and Conditions for more detail.
5. Although a team may have been involved in the production, the primary storyteller should be one reporter only. In the case of a joint byline, the entrant must explain the extent of the co-author’s involvement otherwise judges may disqualify the entry.
6. Entrants must include a statement of support of up to 300 words giving background to the entry.

Award description

This award recognises the wide range of skills involved in producing a piece of investigative journalism. Individuals and teams may enter this award. Judges will look for accuracy, balance, thorough research and public interest/appeal.

Entry criteria

1. This award is for work published in New Zealand-based newspapers, magazines and/or websites, or broadcast on radio or television during 2023.
2. A team or an individual can enter this award.
3. Entrants must submit ONE investigation.
4. Entries may include up to THREE linked articles or items which may be across multiple platforms. For a podcast series, a maximum of THREE episodes may be entered and must include the first episode.
5. Please name all those involved in the production of the investigation, including yourself, and their roles.
6. Entrants must provide a statement of support of up to 200 words giving background to the entry.

Award description

This award recognises the resourcefulness and skill used to compile a ‘scoop’ – an exclusive report reported before other journalists/media organisations which contains important and revealing facts about an issue or event.

Entry criteria

1. This award is for work published in New Zealand-based newspapers, magazines and/or websites and/or apps, or broadcast on radio or television during 2023.
2. Entrants must submit ONE scoop (single news story) on any subject.
3. The scoop should be an example of breaking/immediate/exclusive news, or exclusive investigation, not a news backgrounder to a previous story.
4. A team may have been involved in the production, however if more than one reporter was involved, the entrant must include a clear explanation of each of the reporters’ roles and involvement.
5. Entrants must provide a statement of support of up to 200 words giving background to the entry.

Award description

This award recognises teamwork and journalistic skill in coverage of a major news event, probably (but not necessarily) across multiple platforms. Entries should demonstrate impact, immediacy, accuracy, storytelling excellence, exclusive angles, and a variety of journalistic techniques/formats to provide context to the major news event.

Entry criteria

1. This award is for work published in New Zealand-based newspapers, magazines and/or websites and/or apps, or broadcast on radio or television during 2023.
2. Entries may include up to 10 stories or items, including follow-ups close to the date of the original story.
3. Entries should include the initial story that led to the subsequent coverage over the following days, weeks and months:
   a. Television and audio entries: please submit the initial story plus up to 30 minutes of compiled footage.
   b. Print and digital entries: please submit the initial story and up to nine subsequent stories.
4. Entries may include text, photography, video, audio, graphics and social media.
5. Entrants must include a statement of support of up to 600 words which summarises the major news event and details the planning that went into producing the subsequent coverage.

Award description

This award recognises the importance and relevance of editorial campaigns/projects which have broad appeal/interest and have the potential to bring about change through informing, motivating and/or mobilising a wide audience.

Entry criteria

1. This award is for work published in New Zealand-based newspapers, magazines and/or websites, or broadcast on radio or television during 2023.
2. Entries should include up to 10 stories or items related to the campaign or project.
3. Entries can be across multiple platforms and may include stories, photographs, videos, audio, opinion pieces and social media input.
4. Entrants must include a statement of support of up to 400 words giving background to the entry. Your statement could help the judges decide why your campaign deserves to win over another equally good entry.

Award description

This award recognises excellence in coverage of Pacific issues. The portfolio of stories submitted should take an in-depth look at issues affecting Pacific peoples and communities across the Pacific Region and in Aotearoa New Zealand, providing readers/audiences a greater understanding and awareness.
The winner will receive the Le Mana Pacific trophy.

Entry criteria

1. This award is for work published in New Zealand-based newspapers, magazines and/or websites, or broadcast on radio or television during 2023.
2. Entrants must submit THREE pieces of work.
3. Multi-part stories are permitted – but no more than two parts of the series may be presented as one of the required items.  This could be a two-part story, or two parts from a specific series. Follow-up articles to an original story do not qualify as a two-part submission. Please refer to our Terms and Conditions for more detail.
4. Although a team may have been involved in the production, the primary storyteller should be one reporter only. If another reporter was involved, the entrant must explain the extent of that person’s involvement otherwise judges may disqualify the entry.
5. Entrants must include a statement of support of up to 300 words giving background to the entry.

Award description

This award recognises excellence in storytelling demonstrating mātauranga/Māori knowledge and understanding, sensitivity in dealing with kaupapa Māori, kaupapa wairua etc, adherence to tikanga and/or te reo Māori skill. The portfolio of stories submitted should exhibit wide (local or national, or both) appeal and interest, with real impact on readers/audiences.
The winner will receive the Te Tohu Kairangi trophy.

Entry criteria

1. This award is for work published in New Zealand-based newspapers, magazines and/or websites, or broadcast on radio or television during 2023.
2. Entrants must submit a portfolio of THREE stories.
3. Multi-part stories are permitted – but no more than two parts of the series may be presented as one of the required items.  This could be a two-part story, or two parts from a specific series. Follow-up articles to an original story do not qualify as a two-part submission. Please refer to our Terms and Conditions for more detail.
4. Although a team may have been involved in the production, the primary storyteller should be one reporter only. If another reporter was involved, the entrant must explain the extent of that person’s involvement otherwise judges may disqualify the entry.
5. Entrants must include a statement of support of up to 300 words giving background to the entry.

Award description

This award recognises the work of journalists who provide in-depth news, features and analysis of business issues – including economics and finance – in New Zealand and globally which affect New Zealanders.

Entry criteria

1. This award is for work published in New Zealand-based newspapers, magazines and/or websites, or broadcast on radio or television during 2023.
2. Entrants must submit a portfolio of FOUR business news stories or features.
3. Multi-part stories are permitted – but no more than two parts of the series may be presented as one of the required items.  This could be a two-part story, or two parts from a specific series. Follow-up articles to an original story do not qualify as a two-part submission. Please refer to our Terms and Conditions for more detail.
4. Although a team may have been involved in the production, the primary storyteller should be one reporter only. In the case of a joint byline, the entrant must explain the extent of the co-author’s involvement otherwise judges may disqualify the entry.
5. Entrants must include a statement of support of up to 300 words giving background to the entry. Your statement is an important component of your entry so use it wisely. It could help the judges decide why your stories deserve to win over another equally good entry.

Award description

This award recognises the skill of cartoonists and animators producing editorial single panel/frame or strip cartoons/animations, either as an individual or a team entry. The portfolio should demonstrate clarity of perspective; originality/creativity; immediate impact; use of tools to successfully persuade readers eg. humour, symbolism, exaggeration, analogy; and artistic skill to communicate the message.
The winner will receive the Sir Gordon Minhinnick trophy.

Entry criteria

1. This award is for work published in New Zealand-based newspapers, magazines and/or websites, or broadcast on radio or television during 2023.
2. This award is open to cartoonists and animators producing editorial single panel/frame or strip cartoons, either as an individual or team entry.
3. Entrants must submit a portfolio of FIVE digital or print cartoons or animations, or a combination.
4. If the cartoon or animation accompanied a story, entrants must include a URL link/pdf/screenshot of the associated story to give context.
5. Entrants must provide a title and include details of where the cartoon or animation was published and the date.
6. Entrants must write a statement of support of up to 200 words, giving background to the cartoons/animations.

Award description

This award recognises excellence in lifestyle journalism – including travel, fashion, fitness, wellbeing, food, leisure, the arts and entertainment.

Entry criteria

1. This award is for work (including that of video journalists and photo-journalists/photographers) published in New Zealand-based newspapers, magazines and/or websites/apps, or broadcast on radio or television during 2023.
2. Entrants must submit a portfolio of FOUR lifestyle stories or photo-journalism essays. Entries may include stories featuring destinations and locations within New Zealand and overseas.
3. Multi-part stories are permitted – but no more than two parts of the series may be presented as one of the required items. This could be a two-part story, or two parts from a specific series. Follow-up articles to an original story do not qualify as a two-part submission. Please refer to our Terms and Conditions for more detail.
4. Although a team may have been involved in the production, the primary storyteller should be one reporter only. If another reporter was involved, the entrant must explain the extent of that person’s involvement otherwise judges may disqualify the entry.
5. Please name all contributors to the production of any videos, including yourself, and their roles on the ‘Contact information’ tab.
6. Entrants must include a statement of support of up to 300 words giving background to the entry.

Award description

This award recognises excellence in journalism by print, digital and/or broadcast journalists producing stories that report on and inform their local communities.

Entry criteria

1. This award is for work published in New Zealand-based newspapers, magazines and/or websites, or broadcast on radio or television during 2023.
2. Entrants must submit a portfolio of FOUR examples of their work on any subject. This may include a mixture of news reports, features and opinion writing.
3. Multi-part stories are permitted – but no more than two parts of the series may be presented as one of the required items. This could be a two-part story, or two parts from a specific series. Follow-up articles to an original story do not qualify as a two-part submission. Please refer to our Terms and Conditions for more detail.
4. The majority of all content submitted should be the work of one journalist only. In the case of a joint byline, the entrant must explain the extent of the co-author’s involvement otherwise judges may disqualify the entry.
5. Entrants must provide a statement of support of up to 300 words giving background to the entry.

Award description

This award recognises excellence in news reporting with a particular focus on coverage of topical, current/immediate news that impacts on New Zealand audiences.

Entry criteria

1. This award is for work published in New Zealand-based newspapers, magazines and/or websites, or broadcast on radio or television during 2023.
2. Entrants must submit a portfolio of FOUR examples of their work on any subject. This may include a mixture of news reports, features and opinion writing.
3. Multi-part stories are permitted – but no more than two parts of the series may be presented as one of the required items. This could be a two-part story, or two parts from a specific series. Follow-up articles to an original story do not qualify as a two-part submission. Please refer to our Terms and Conditions for more detail.
4. The majority of all content submitted should be the work of one journalist only. In the case of a joint byline, the entrant must explain the extent of the co-author’s involvement otherwise judges may disqualify the entry.
5. Entrants must provide a statement of support of up to 300 words giving background to the entry.

Award description

This award recognises the work of journalists who break political stories, providing context, analysis, and discourse. Portfolios should include stories which had a strong impact on New Zealand’s politics, contributed to a better public understanding of matters of government, highlighted issues/problems within political parties and/or analysed the social and economic environment of political decisions and consequences of government decisions.

Entry criteria

1. This award is for work published in New Zealand-based newspapers, magazines and/or websites, or broadcast on radio or television during 2023.
2. Entrants must submit a portfolio of FOUR political stories.
3. Multi-part stories are permitted – but no more than two parts of the series may be presented as one of the required items. This could be a two-part story, or two parts from a specific series. Follow-up articles to an original story do not qualify as a two-part submission. Please refer to our Terms and Conditions for more detail.
4. Although a team may have been involved in the production, the primary storyteller should be one reporter only. In the case of a joint byline, the entrant must explain the extent of the co-author’s involvement otherwise judges may disqualify the entry.
5. Entrants must include a statement of support of up to 300 words giving background to the entry.

Award description

This award recognises excellence in the wide range of skills required in sports journalism: spanning business, entertainment, ethics, the emotion of highs and lows – and of course national pride.
The winner of this award will be presented with the T.P. McLean Trophy.

Entry criteria

1. This award is for work published in New Zealand-based newspapers, magazines and/or websites, or broadcast on radio or television during 2023.
2. Entrants must submit a portfolio of FOUR sports-related stories.
3. Multi-part stories are permitted – but no more than two parts of the series may be presented as one of the required items. This could be a two-part story, or two parts from a specific series. Follow-up articles to an original story do not qualify as a two-part submission. Please refer to our Terms and Conditions for more detail.
4. Although a team may have been involved in the production, the primary storyteller should be one reporter only. In the case of a joint byline, the entrant must explain the extent of the co-author’s involvement otherwise judges may disqualify the entry.
5. Entrants must include a statement of support of up to 300 words giving background to the entry.

Award description

This award recognises dynamic and innovative leadership at a senior level in journalism and the media. The winner will receive the Editorial Leader of the Year cup.

Entry criteria

1. Nominations for this award must be made by a senior supervisor or manager but the entry submission itself may be written by the candidate.
2. In the case of a smaller or owner-operated organisation, applicants may be nominated by a co-owner or a senior staff member.
3. The candidate must have been employed in a leadership role by a New Zealand-based media organisation during 2023. Media organisations may nominate up to three candidates – or up to five candidates for media organisations with an employee base of more than 500.
4. Nominees may write or co-write their own entry statements of up to 500 words. Details could include efforts to create a new product or products; work to rejuvenate a struggling product or increase readership/viewers/listeners; efforts to bring about change or achieve a vision; work to build a cohesive team; examples of going the extra mile to achieve a common goal; work to foster journalism and build audiences across multiple platforms; leadership that benefited colleagues, peers and other staff. Please spell out what has been achieved and how this has made a difference.
5. Supporting statements should include specific examples of how some or all of the above were achieved.
6. The nominee’s entry statement should be accompanied by a letter of support from a supervisor or manager, or in the case of smaller organisations a co-owner or a senior staff member. This letter should confirm the contents of the entry submission and outline the candidate’s leadership achievements in 2023, how this benefited staff or his/her division, the company and its objectives, the audience and any other stakeholders. The letter of support should be no more than 400 words.