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FRIDAY 27 June 2025
Celebrating heavy engineering in Aotearoa
Every two years, our industry awards honour industry successes in an evening of celebration and recognition.
Part of our Nation Dinner (which follows our Future Forum conference held during the day), this night highlights the achievement of our ‘metal minds’ as we look to the future.
These awards are nominated by peers and assessed by industry leaders – making these awards unlike any other as the recognition comes directly from those who understand the challenges and achievements the most. It’s not just about winning; it’s about being celebrated by the very community you contribute to and excel in.
Industry Awards: Nation Dinner 2025
A night of great food, company, glitz and glam in heavy engineering
Join us for an evening of recognition, as we reflect on the achievements of our members and wider industry at our bi-annual industry awards. Don’t miss out on this fabulous night of fun and festivity!
The amazing Jesse Mulligan from The Project on Three, and host of Radio NZ National from 1 to 4pm weekdays, will be entertaining us through the night of awards over drinks and a three-course dinner. We can’t wait to see you there!
Location to be confirmed
Time to be confirmed
Who: Individuals and companies with links to heavy engineering, construction and manufacturing.
Honouring distinguished service to heavy engineering in Aotearoa New Zealand
This prestigious award is our most celebrated, dedicated to our founding Chair, Keith Smith, and the endowment he left to the HERA Foundation. Open to all within the New Zealand heavy engineering industry, regardless of HERA membership, this award recognises renowned and outstanding service to our industry. Given its significance, the award is only presented when a truly deserving candidate is identified, ensuring it remains a mark of exceptional achievement.
The following awards are open to any HERA member company or employee. The employee can be of any level within the company. The judges have the right to recommend that there is no winner of any category if no entries are deemed appropriate.
All winning entries will be eligible for HERA to nominate into the Global constructsteel Awards.
Innovation in heavy engineering.
Recognising contributions to key projects, products or services that are informed by R&D or include step changes in the ways things are done – including art, design, technology, research, engineering and manufacturing, done differently from “business as usual”.
Impact in heavy engineering.
A project or initiative which has positive social, environmental, economic, cultural or economic outcomes to the industry or a community, iwi, organisation, the environment, education or society that is focused on intergenerational wellbeing. This can be diversity and inclusion, collaborative partners, educational initiatives and similar.
Steel is beautiful.
Recognising projects of significant beauty and timeless design/execution, as well as design and fabrication that is aligned to the unique environment and community in which it exists.
Steel is sustainable.
Recognising projects that showcase and demonstrate steel sustainability in terms of circular economy, steel recycling, re-use, repurposing, and reduced waste.
Steel is resilient and durable.
Recognising projects that showcase and demonstrate steel resilience – including seismic, fire, and corrosion performance.
Excellence in welding.
Recognising excellence in welding through innovation in fabrication and manufacturing, the demonstration of digital integrations and commitment to the development of a skilled workforce.
There is three (3) categories within this award. Subject to the entries and at the discretion of the judges, there may be an award for each category, or just one overall winner.
Innovation in welding
Innovation in welding fabrication/manufacturing – demonstration of the complexity and challenges in design, fabrication, repair or manufacturing of the structure or component; application of advanced welding technologies, quality management, safety, and productivity as applicable to all steels and metals. The use of technologies to enhance a sustainable environment. Research and development. Application of welding automation and robotics to increase productivity, quality and sustainability of the fabrication or manufacturing process.
Welding 4.0
Demonstration of digital integration of fabrication/manufacturing processes including welding process and quality data, and the use of simulations, innovative software, apps and other 4.0 technologies. Effective use of data to enhance productivity and quality.
Welding skills development
Commitment to the development of a skilled workforce.
Leading metal mind in heavy engineering.
Acknowledging an influencer who gets things done, inspires others and takes people with them on a journey, along the way making an outstanding contribution to the work they do.
Celebrating our future engineers.
Recognising a post-grad research student or group who have delivered research and innovation outcomes that have potential to advance heavy engineering and the use, manufacture or performance of structural steel to address industry challenges.
Celebrating Māori in engineering.
Recognising the new tauira (student) joining the whakapapa (DNA/geneology) of the Whanake Scholarship as part of our commitment to actively extend our industry’s capacity to create a more diverse and attractive industry and Vision Mātauranga.
Elevate your brand by sponsoring our Future Forum X.O 2025 conference or our Nation Dinner industry awards and level up your profile with visibility among industry leaders, innovators, and decision-makers in heavy engineering.
Your sponsorship not only highlights your commitment to sustainability and innovation but also positions your brand at the forefront of industry transformation. Gain exclusive networking opportunities, showcase your solutions, and align with the future of heavy engineering.
Don’t miss this chance to shine and connect with key influencers.
Contact our Customer Experience Manager Rebecca Symonds
Rebecca Symonds
Customer Experience Manager
rebecca.symonds@hera.org.nz
Please contact our Administration team
+64 9 262 2885 | admin@hera.org.nz
HERA EVENT
Thursday 26 June 2025
Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland
A national heavy engineering forum – this conference is a must attend for heavy engineering professionals at all levels.
With a spotlight on AI and sustainability – keep yourself updated on the latest developments and insights critical to our industry, and make sure that you and your team are ready for the future.