ECC Conference 2026:
The Power of Choice
Navigating challenges, building bright futures
Awards
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ECC Awards 2026
The ECC Awards are a chance to recognise members who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and hard-work within the sector.
From teaching excellence, to contributions to the sector, to individual centre awards, ECC wishes to reward the unwavering growth, passion and commitment of our members through this member-voted event.
The ECC Awards 2026 are proudly sponsored by New Zealand Tertiary College.
Award Categories
Outstanding Achievement
This award honours an individual who has demonstrated exceptional skill, dedication, and impact in their field, achieving remarkable success and setting a high standard for excellence.
Contribution to the ECE Sector
This award recognises an individual who has made significant contributions to the ECE community through volunteer work, leadership, or other forms of service, making a positive difference in the lives of others.
Teaching Excellence Award
This award recognises an individual or centre who demonstrates outstanding commitment for the learning and wellbeing of tamariki.
Exceptional Community-Based Centre
This award recognises a community-based centre that has demonstrated outstanding commitment to providing high quality education and care for tamariki, engaging with local communities and setting a benchmark for excellence in the sector.
Exceptional Private Centre
This award recognises a privately-owned centre that has demonstrated outstanding commitment to providing high quality education and care for tamariki, engaging with local communities and setting a benchmark for excellence in the sector.
Members’ Choice Supplier Award
This is award is voted by the ECC membership and recognises a supplier in the sector providing significant value to members.
Nominee Criteria
Either a current member centre or employee of the member, or
a Life Member, or
currently serving on the Executive Committee.
Must be registered for the Gala Dinner and Awards to collect the award on Friday 31 July at Tākina in Wellington. Conference registration is not required.
Suppliers nominated for the Member's Choice Supplier Award must fit the following criteria:
Supplier must provide goods or services applicable to the New Zealand ECE sector.
Supplier must be an active and legitimate business capable of delivering at a consistently high standard.
Gala Dinner and Awards
The 2026 ECC Gala Dinner and Awards is not an event to miss! With live music, great food and drink and fantastic company, this event is the perfect opportunity to dress up and celebrate your peers.
Don't miss out on the biggest ECE event of the year!
The ECC conference is the largest gathering of ECE professionals in New Zealand. As the largest of its kind in the country, we bring together passionate leaders, teachers and experts from across the sector for an event which you can't afford to miss.
Phone: 0800 742 742
Email: admin@ecc.org.nz
Floor 1, Petherick Tower,
38 Waring Taylor Street, Wellington
PO Box 5649, Wellington 6140,
New Zealand