ELIGIBILITY AND KEY DATES
The Best In Build Awards recognize exceptional companies and individuals pushing the boundaries of the building supply industry. Explore our participant eligibility criteria and key entry dates below to prepare your nominations.
General Eligibility
For the Inaugural Awards Round Only: 2 Year Eligibility Period.
Work, achievements, products, or initiatives completed by or occurring between 1st October 2024 and 30 September 2026.
This 24 month calendar year window allowS for the fact that the Hardware Awards have been absent from the market for several years.
Thereafter awards will revert to a twelve month award cycle and eligibility period from 1st October to 30 September.
Company Eligibility
NZ-registered building supply companies, or international building supply brands with a formal operating presence in Aotearoa New Zealand (registered NZ office, NZ-based staff, GST registered, or formal NZ distribution agreement).
Companies must have been trading for a minimum of 12 months prior to the entry close date.
Individual Eligibility
NZ Citizens or Permanent Residents currently employed in the building supply industry. For individual awards (Young Achiever, Lifetime Achievement), nominators must confirm the nominee is aware of and consents to the nomination.
Individuals may self-nominate where appropriate, with written confirmation from their employer or line manager.
Key Dates
Entries Open
Thursday 1st October
Entries Close
Monday 30th November
Late Entry Deadline
Wednesday 2nd December (Subject to late fee)
Scrutineering Period
02 December 2026 - 08 December 2026
Judging Period
11 January 2026 - 12 February 2027
Best in Build Awards Gala
April 2027 (Date TBC)
To learn more about the entry process, entry fees, scrutineering and judging please see Entries & Judging.
AWARD CATEGORIES
1. Supplier of the Year
Eligibility
Any NZ-registered entity whose business involves the sale and distribution of building materials, products, or related services to trade customers (merchants, builders, contractors).
Judging Criteria
Entries will be assessed against a weighted scoring matrix:
Revenue Growth (20%) - Year-on-year growth during eligibility period
Customer Service (25%) - CS scores, testimonials, issue resolution evidence
Supply Chain (35%) - Reliability, efficiency, availability metrics
Innovation & Improvement (20%) - Demonstrable initiatives implemented during eligibility period
Information required for Judging
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Revenue and growth data (verified by accountant or CFO letter)
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Customer satisfaction data (NPS, CSAT, or equivalent)
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Supply chain performance metrics
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Description of innovation or improvement initiatives
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Minimum three independent trade customer testimonials
To ensure a level playing field, revenue bands will be considered::
Small - Annual NZ revenue under $5M
Medium - Annual NZ revenue $5M – $30M
Large - Annual NZ revenue over $30M
To enter this award, or to learn more about the entry process & judging please see Entries & Judging.
2. Manufacturer of the Year
Eligibility
Any entity that designs and/or produces building products, whether manufactured in NZ or produced overseas (overseas-made products must hold recognised NZ compliance certification. For example: CodeMark, BRANZ Appraisal, or equivalent). Companies that purely import and rebadge products under a third party's IP should enter the Importer/Distributor of the Year category.
Judging Criteria
Product innovation and R&D (25%) - Investment in Innovation and R&D during the eligibility period
Quality and durability (25%) - Evidence: Testing data, certifications, warranty/returns rates
Market impact (25%) - Adoption rates and industry feedback
Innovation & Improvement (25%) - Manufacturing or production efficiency improvement
Information Required for Judging:
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Product overview and technical specifications
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Independent testing results or certifications (BRANZ, CodeMark, ISO, etc.)
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R&D investment data
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Market adoption evidence
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Customer or specifier testimonials
To ensure a level playing field, revenue bands will be considered:
Small - Annual NZ revenue under $5M
Medium - Annual NZ revenue $5M – $30M
Large - Annual NZ revenue over $30M
To enter this award, or to learn more about the entry process & judging please see Entries & Judging.
3. Importer/Distributor of the Year
Eligibility
A company whose primary business is importing building products from overseas manufacturers and distributing them within NZ through trade/retail channels.
Judging Criteria
Compliance with NZ Standards (30%) - CodeMark / BRANZ (or equivalent) recognition for imported products
Sourcing & Product-Range Quality (25%) - Rigour of supplier selection; breadth and quality of the range
Customer & Sales Support (25%) - Technical and after-sales support to trade customers
Market Development & Education (20%) - Customer education and growth of the NZ market for the category
Information Required for Judging:
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Product portfolio overview
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Supply chain performance
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Evidence of NZ standards compliance
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Customer testimonials and satisfaction data
To enter this award, or to learn more about the entry process & judging please see Entries & Judging.
4. Merchant Partner of the Year
Eligibility
A trade-focused merchant, whether part of a national chain, a buying group member, or independently operated, whose primary customer base is trade professionals (builders, contractors, tradespeople) rather than end consumers.
Judging Criteria
Trade customer service excellence (30%) - NPS, CSAT or equivalent results, testimonials, and evidence of consistent, responsive service to trade account customers
Product range and availability (25%) - Breadth and depth of the stocked range; in-stock rates and order fulfilment performance on core trade lines
Staff training and product knowledge (15%) - Investment in staff training and the technical and product knowledge available at the counter and in the field
Loyalty and support programmes for trade customers (15%) - Trade account benefits, loyalty schemes and value-added services such as estimating, delivery and credit support
Community or industry engagement (15%) - Support for the local trade community through events, sponsorship, training and industry participation
Information Required for Judging
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Customer satisfaction data
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Evidence of trade-specific programmes or initiatives
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Staff training investment data
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Minimum three trade customer testimonials
Judges should consider separating national chains from independent merchants,or applying a normalised customer satisfaction metric that allows fair comparison regardless of scale.
To enter this award, or to learn more about the entry process & judging please see Entries & Judging.
5. Innovation in Building Materials
Eligibility
Any product used in the construction, renovation, or maintenance of residential or commercial buildings — including structural, cladding, roofing, insulation, interior lining, plumbing, electrical, fixings, and finishing products.
The product should have been introduced to the NZ market within the eligibility period and represent a demonstrable advance either in performance, material science, sustainability, installation efficiency, cost reduction, or safety over existing solutions currently available in the NZ market.
Judging Criteria
Performance Improvement (30%) - Quantified technical advance over existing solutions
Installer/User Efficiency (25%) - Time or cost savings for the installer or end user
Market Adoption (20%) - Evidence of uptake and commercial viability
Quality & Durability (25%) - Testing data, certifications, warranty terms
Information Required for Judging
• Product overview and technical specifications
• Independent test results or certifications
• Evidence of market introduction during eligibility period
• Performance and efficiency data
To enter this award, or to learn more about the entry process & judging please see Entries & Judging.
6. Sustainable Product of the Year.
Eligibility
Products that demonstrably reduce environmental impact across their lifecycle. This encompasses: Embodied carbon, responsible material sourcing (FSC timber, recycled content), low VOC or chemical content, energy efficiency in use, durability and longevity (reducing replacement frequency), and end-of-life recyclability or compostability.
All building product categories are eligible: Structural, insulation, cladding, interiors, building services.
Judging Criteria
Verified environmental benefit (35%) - Quantified lifecycle impact reduction — embodied carbon, waste, energy or water — supported by EPD or LCA data
Independent certification and compliance (25%) - Third-party validation (Declare, Cradle to Cradle, BRANZ, Green Star-recognised or equivalent) and Building Code compliance
Performance without compromise (20%) - Durability and fitness for purpose equal to or better than the conventional alternative it replaces
Market impact and scalability (20%) - Adoption during the eligibility period and the potential to shift mainstream practice in the sector
Information Required for Judging
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Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs)
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Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs)
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Third-party certifications: Green Star, Living Building Challenge Declare, Cradle to Cradle, BRANZ assessments, or equivalent
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Carbon footprint or emissions data
To enter this award, or to learn more about the entry process & judging please see Entries & Judging.
7. Safety Equipment Award
Eligibility
'Safety Equipment' is defined as discrete physical products designed to protect individuals on-site for example: PPE, fall arrest systems, guardrails, etc.
Judging Criteria
Risk Reduction (35%) - Demonstrable reduction in incidents or near-misses
Ease of Adoption (20%) - Compliance burden, ease of implementation on-site
Industry Uptake (20%) - Evidence of adoption across multiple sites or companies
Certification (25%) - Independent testing, Standards compliance (AS/NZS), regulatory recognition
Information Required for Judging
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Technical specifications
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Independent testing or certification documentation
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Incident or near-miss data (before/after if applicable)
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Case studies from on-site use
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Employer or user testimonials
To enter this award, or to learn more about the entry process & judging please see Entries & Judging.
8. Technology & Digital Solutions in Construction
Eligibility
Software, platforms, digital tools, or connected hardware solutions that improve efficiency, safety, quality, or communication in the construction and building supply sector. Includes: estimating/quoting tools, project management platforms, BIM/digital twin tools, supply chain visibility platforms, IoT-enabled equipment, and AI-assisted design or compliance tools.
Judging Criteria
Efficiency & productivity gains delivered (30%) - Quantified time, cost or quality improvements for users
NZ market adoption (25%) - Users, companies or projects live during the eligibility period
Innovation and fitness for the sector (25%) - A genuine advance on existing tools for NZ building and supply
Data security, privacy & reliability (20%) - Credentials, uptime and compliance
Information Required for Judging
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Product overview and demonstrated functionality
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Evidence of NZ adoption — number of users, companies, or projects
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Quantified efficiency, time, or cost savings
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Data security and privacy compliance credentials
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User testimonials or case study from a NZ-based project
To enter this award, or to learn more about the entry process & judging please see Entries & Judging.
9. Best Customer Service Supplier
Eligibility
Customer service encompasses: responsiveness, order accuracy, issue resolution, technical/product support, and the overall experience of trade customers. Measured via NPS or CSAT survey results, resolution time data, testimonials, and evidence of service improvement initiatives implemented during the eligibility period.
Judging Criteria
Customer satisfaction outcomes: NPS / CSAT results and the trend across the period (%35) - Verified NPS or CSAT results and the improvement trend across the eligibility period
Responsiveness & issue resolution (30%) - Resolution times and quality of complaint handling
Technical & product support (20%) - Depth of advice and trade support
Service improvement initiatives (15%) - Changes implemented during the eligibility period
Materials Required for Judging
• Customer satisfaction data — quantified (CS score, or equivalent)
• Complaint and resolution time data
• Description of service improvement initiatives implemented during eligibility period
• Minimum three independent trade customer testimonials
To enter this award, or to learn more about the entry process & judging please see Entries & Judging.
10. Best Logistics & Supply Chain Solution
Eligibility
Any initiative, system, or process improvement implemented by a NZ building supply company to enhance the efficiency, reliability, cost-effectiveness, or sustainability of its logistics or supply chain operations. Includes: last-mile delivery, inventory management, demand forecasting, supplier relationship management, and reverse logistics.
Judging Criteria
Performance improvement delivered (35%) - Gains in delivery times, availability, cost or emissions
Reliability & resilience (25%) - Consistency and the ability to absorb disruption
Innovation of the solution (20%) - Originality and sophistication of the approach
Evidence & measurability(20%) - Quality of the before / after data provided
Materials Required for Judging
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Description of the solution or initiative
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Quantified performance metrics — delivery times, stock availability rates, cost savings, or emissions reductions
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Evidence of implementation during the eligibility period
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Before/after comparison data where available
To enter this award, or to learn more about the entry process & judging please see Entries & Judging.
11. Regional Supplier Excellence Award
Eligibility
A supplier operating primarily within a defined geographic region of NZ (e.g. Northland, Bay of Plenty, Canterbury, Otago/Southland) rather than as a national chain. Typically independent, owner-operated, and serving a local trade community. Eligibility is capped at companies with no more than three locations.
Judging Criteria
Service to the local trade community (30%) - Satisfaction and strength of relationships
Business performance for scale (25%) - Growth and results relative to size and region
Community & local industry engagement (25%) - Demonstrable local contribution
Innovation & improvement (20%) - Initiatives implemented during the period
Materials Required for Judging
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Revenue and growth data (verified by accountant or CFO letter)
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Customer satisfaction data (NPS, CSAT, or equivalent)
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Supply chain performance metrics
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Description of innovation or improvement initiatives
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Minimum three independent trade customer testimonials
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Evidence of community or local industry engagement.
To enter this award, or to learn more about the entry process & judging please see Entries & Judging.
12. Emerging Supplier Award
Eligibility
A company that has been trading for between 2 and 5 years at the entry close date, OR an established company that has launched a clearly distinct new business unit or product line within the eligibility period and can demonstrate rapid market traction.
Judging Criteria
Judges will assess momentum and potential rather than absolute scale, given shorter operating histories. Key factors taken into account:
Growth trajectory (35%) - Revenue and customer base
Market differentiation (25%) - Clarity of the offer and a demonstrable point of difference from established competitors
Commercial viability (20%) - Sustainable margins, funding position and the operational capability to support continued growth
Future potential and strategic direction (20%) - Credibility of the growth strategy and the quality of plans for the next stage of the business
Materials Required for Judging
• Brief overview of the company or new business unit, with its launch date
• Growth data — revenue and customer-base trajectory since launch or market entry
• Evidence of market traction — new accounts, orders or coverage during the eligibility period
• Two to three customer or trade-partner testimonials
To enter this award, or to learn more about the entry process & judging please see Entries & Judging.
13. Community Support Award
Eligibility
This award recognises outstanding investment in growing and diversifying the building industry and supply-chain workforce. It focuses on apprenticeship and trades training — including initiatives that encourage more women into the industry — and on engaging Māori and Pasifika students and trainees and supporting their pathways into the building industry and supply chain. Eligible activities include apprenticeship and cadetship programmes, partnerships with schools, training providers and iwi or community organisations, scholarships, mentoring, and targeted recruitment, support and retention initiatives.
Judging Criteria
Reach and participation (30%) - Apprentices and trainees supported, with evidence of increased participation by women, Māori and Pasifika
Quality of the pathway (25%) - How effectively the initiative moves people into training and into lasting roles in the industry and supply chain
Partnership and engagement (20%) - Meaningful collaboration with schools, iwi, training providers or community organisations
Outcomes and retention (25%) - Completion, retention and progression results during the eligibility period.
Materials Required for Judging
• Description of the apprenticeship, training and engagement initiatives undertaken during the eligibility period
• Participation data — numbers of apprentices and trainees, identifying participation by women, Māori and Pasifika
• Evidence of partnerships (schools, iwi, training providers or community organisations) and of completion or retention outcomes
• Testimonials from apprentices, trainees or partner organisations
To enter this award, or to learn more about the entry process & judging please see Entries & Judging.
14. Leadership in Sustainability
Eligibility
This award recognises organisation-wide commitment to sustainability, not a single product or initiative.
An eligible company should demonstrate strategic, measurable sustainability performance within the eligibility period, including: setting and reporting against emissions reduction targets, sustainable procurement policies, waste reduction programmes, staff wellbeing, and engagement with recognised frameworks such as the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), ISO 14001, or B Corp certification.
Judging Criteria
Strategy & governance (25%) - Clarity of targets and board-level ownership
Measurable performance against targets (35%) - Independently verified emissions, waste or progress data
Breadth across the organisation (20%) - Commitment beyond a single product or site
External validation (20%) - Recognised frameworks or certifications (SBTi, ISO 14001, B Corp)
Materials Required for Judging
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Sustainability strategy documentation
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Independently verified emissions or waste data
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Progress against stated targets
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External recognition, certification, or audit reports
To enter this award, or to learn more about the entry process & judging please see Entries & Judging.
15. Industry Training & Development Champion
Eligibility
A company that has made outstanding investment in the skills and career development of its people during the eligibility period. Includes: formal training programmes (NZQA qualifications, vendor/product training), mentorship schemes, graduate or cadet programmes, succession planning frameworks, and a demonstrable culture of continuous development.
Judging Criteria
Investment in people (30%) - Training hours and spend per FTE
Breadth & quality of programmes (25%) - Qualifications, mentorship, cadet and graduate schemes
Outcomes (25%) - Qualifications achieved, plus retention and engagement data
Culture of development (20%) - Evidence of an embedded, ongoing commitment
Materials Required for Judging
• Evidence of training hours and investment per FTE
• Outline of Programmes run and qualifications achieved by staff
• Employee engagement or retention data
• Testimonials from staff who have benefited from development programmes
To enter this award, or to learn more about the entry process & judging please see Entries & Judging.
16. Best Collaborative Project Partner
Eligibility
A company (supplier, manufacturer, or distributor) that has demonstrated exceptional collaborative practice on a specific project — working across organisational boundaries with contractors, designers, or other suppliers to deliver an outstanding outcome.
Judging Criteria
Strength of collaboration (30%) - Working effectively across organisational boundaries
Project outcome (30%) - Impact on delivery, quality, cost or programme
Contribution to problem solving (20%) - Value added beyond the contracted role
Independent endorsement (20%) - Strength of the supporting nomination(s)
Materials Required for Judging
• Project brief and overview
• Description of the collaborative contribution
• Outcome data: Delivery, quality, cost, or programme impact
• Supporting nomination from the project lead, main contractor, or other project partner
To enter this award, or to learn more about the entry process & judging please see Entries & Judging.
17. Lifetime Achievement in Building Supply
Eligibility:
Instead, an open industry nominations process is run: any company, individual, or industry body may submit a written nomination (max 500 words) to BIB by Best in Build close of entry date.
A selection panel of three to five respected industry figures, independent of BIB, will review all nominations and recommend a recipient to the BIB Board for final approval.
This process is consistent with industry awards best practice. Nominations can be submitted via the Best in Build Awards Portal.
NOTE: No fee is payable for nominating someone in this category.
To enter this award, or to learn more about the entry process & judging please see Entries & Judging.
18. Trade Store of the Year
Eligibility
An individual store or branch of a trade-focused merchant, whether part of a national chain, a buying group, or independently owned. Entries are made at store level and a company may enter more than one store. The store’s primary customer base must be trade professionals (builders, contractors, tradespeople) rather than end consumers.
Judging Criteria
Trade customer experience (30%) - Store-level NPS, CSAT or equivalent results, testimonials, and evidence of consistent service at the counter, in the yard and on delivery
Operational excellence (25%) - Stock availability, order accuracy, and the efficiency of despatch and delivery to site
Team knowledge and culture (25%) - Product knowledge, training investment, staff retention and the store’s health and safety record
Local market performance (20%) - Growth relative to the local market and standing within the local trade community
Judges should take account of store size and local market conditions so that smaller and provincial stores can compete on equal terms with large metropolitan branches.
Materials Required for Judging
• Store profile — location, team size and customer base
• Store-level customer satisfaction data and a minimum of three trade customer testimonials
• Stock availability, order accuracy or delivery performance data
• Evidence of team training, retention and health and safety performance
To enter this award, or to learn more about the entry process & judging please see Entries & Judging.
19. Trade Account Manager of the Year
Eligibility
An individual currently employed by a NZ trade merchant in a customer-facing account management or sales role — including trade account managers, sales representatives and counter sales leaders. Nominations are sought from employers, customers and industry bodies. Self-nominations are accepted with employer endorsement.
Judging Criteria
Customer relationships and service (30%) - Strength and longevity of trade customer relationships, evidenced by testimonials and account retention
Sales performance (25%) - Results against target and account growth during the eligibility period, assessed relative to territory and opportunity
Product and technical knowledge (20%) - Depth of knowledge and the quality of advice provided to trade customers
Problem solving and initiative (15%) - Evidence of going beyond the role to resolve issues and add value for customers
Professional conduct and industry involvement (10%) - Integrity, teamwork and participation in the wider building supply industry
Materials Required for Judging
• Nominee biography and role overview (max 800 words)
• Sales or account performance data, presented relative to territory and opportunity
• Minimum three testimonials, including at least one from a trade customer and one from the employer
• Evidence of training, qualifications or industry involvement
To enter this award, or to learn more about the entry process & judging please see Entries & Judging.
20. Young Achiever in Building Supply
Eligibility
An individual, under 35 years of age at the close of entry date, currently working in the NZ building supply sector. Nominations are sought from employers, industry bodies. Self-nominations are also allowed with employer endorsement
Judging Criteria
Career achievements to date (25%) - Progression, responsibilities and results achieved relative to age and opportunity
Demonstrated impact on their organisation or the wider industry (25%) - Specific, evidenced contributions to their organisation or the wider building supply sector
Leadership qualities and professional conduct (20%) - Initiative, integrity and the respect of colleagues, customers and industry peers
Community or industry involvement (10%) - Participation in industry bodies, mentoring, volunteering or community initiatives
Future potential (20%) - Trajectory and the capacity to become a future leader of the building supply industry
Materials Required for Judging
• Nominee biography and career highlights (max 800 words)
• Two to three supporting testimonials, at least one must be from the employer
• Any relevant certifications, qualifications, or external recognition
To enter this award, or to learn more about the entry process & judging please see Entries & Judging.
