ANZASW Social Work Awards 2026

 

Call for Nominations

The ANZASW Social Work Awards 2026 celebrate the courage, leadership, and impact of social workers across Aotearoa. These awards shine a light on the individuals, teams, and initiatives who are not only doing the mahi, but transforming what social work can be.

From grassroots practice to system change, from emerging social workers that are stepping forward to seasoned leaders holding the line, this is about lifting our people and telling our story.

Why nominate?

Because our people deserve to be seen.

Because when we celebrate each other, we strengthen the whole waka.

Nominating is an act of:

  • Whakamana: uplifting the mana of our peers
  • Whanaungatanga: recognising the relationships that carry our work
  • Rangatiratanga: backing leadership that creates change

More than an awards night

In 2026, we do this differently.

All conference attendees will be invited to the Awards — free of charge!

This is intentional as we are creating a space where we don’t just celebrate excellence; we stand together for it. A space for:

  • Honouring the incredible mahi happening across the motu
  • Reconnecting and building relationships
  • Creating space for whanaungatanga, reflection, and collective pride

Award Categories

Each category reflects the depth, diversity, and future of social work in Aotearoa.

Te Ao Māori Rangatiratanga Award

For leadership grounded in te ao Māori, uplifting rangatiratanga and advancing outcomes for whānau, hapū, and iwi.

Moana Pacific Leadership Award

For leadership rooted in Pacific values and ways of being, strengthening wellbeing across Pacific communities.

Social Work Quality & Whānau-Centred Innovation Award

For excellence in relational, whānau-centred practice that creates real, meaningful impact.

Te Ao Hangarau – Technology Award

For innovation in digital and technology-enabled social work that expands access and impact.

Social Work Research and Education Award

For those building the knowledge, evidence, and future capability of our profession.

Social Justice and Human Rights Award

For those who stand at the front of change — challenging injustice and advocating for equity.

Kāpuia – Rising Social Worker Award

For emerging practitioners who are already making their mark and shaping the future of social work.

The John Fry Supreme Award

The highest honour; recognising exceptional, profession-shaping impact across all categories.

Detailed category information

Who can be nominated?

We welcome nominations for:

  • Individual social workers
  • Teams, collectives, organisations, or initiatives

Eligibility for individual nominees

To be eligible, individual nominees must:

  • Be a Registered Social Worker with a current Annual Practising Certificate (APC)
  • Be a current member of ANZASW
  • Be of good standing and reputation, reflecting positively on the profession

Team and initiative nominations

  • Teams or initiatives may be nominated where the impact is collective, collaborative, or organisational
  • Registration and ANZASW membership requirements may not apply in the same way, but nominations should clearly demonstrate alignment with social work values, ethics, and practice in Aotearoa

A note for nominators

By submitting a nomination, you are confirming in good faith that:

  • The nominee’s contribution is accurate and meaningful
  • Their mahi reflects the values and integrity of the social work profession
  • They are of good standing and reputation

This is our moment

Across Aotearoa, social workers are:

  • Holding space in the hardest moments
  • Leading change in complex systems
  • Walking alongside whānau with courage and care

It’s time to recognise that.

Nominate someone. Back your people. Lift our profession.

Submit your nomination today

Let’s celebrate the strength, heart, and future of social work; kōtahitanga, stand together 

Nominations close on Friday 10 July