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Entering the 2026 Awards
The ALGIM Awards celebrate the people, teams, and organisations driving innovation in local government. They recognise the work that not only improves council services, but delivers meaningful outcomes to our communities and Aotearoa New Zealand.
Project of the Year Awards 2026
Professional Excellence Team of the Year Awards 2026
Training & Development Grants 2026
Excellence in IT Infrastructure (Network, Cloud & On-Premise)
Collaboration Excellence Award
How to Create a Strong Awards Entry
To help you put forward the strongest possible entry for the ALGIM Awards 2026, we’ve pulled together guidance, tips, and examples to support you through the submission process.
On this page you’ll find:
- What makes a winning entry – the key elements that capture the judges’ attention
- Why the awards matter – how the awards recognise and celebrate excellence across local government
- What judges look for – insights to help you clearly showcase your achievements
- Common pitfalls to avoid – mistakes that can weaken an otherwise strong submission
You’ll also find the criteria for each award category to help guide your entry.
What Makes a Winning Entry?
Strong award entries typically demonstrate:
Clarity and focus
Clear alignment with the award criteria, with a well‑structured and easy‑to‑follow submission.
Best practice and innovation
Evidence of tools, techniques, approaches, or innovations that reflect current or emerging best practice in local government.
Demonstrated outcomes
Tangible results supported by evidence, data, or measurable impact.
Compelling storytelling
A clear narrative that brings your work to life and helps judges understand the context, challenge, and impact.
Why the Awards Matter
The ALGIM Awards play an important role in recognising and celebrating the achievements of local government professionals across Aotearoa New Zealand.
They provide:
- Recognition – celebrating the hard mahi and dedication of teams and individuals
- Credibility – enhancing the profile and reputation of organisations and initiatives
- Motivation – boosting team morale and encouraging continued excellence
- Connection – opportunities to share learnings and connect with peers across the sector
What Judges Look For
When assessing submissions, judges will be looking for:
Relevance
Clear alignment with the award category and criteria.
A strong first impression
A clear, engaging submission that communicates value from the outset.
Creativity and originality
Innovative thinking, new approaches, or lessons learned that could benefit others across the sector.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
To give your entry the best chance of success, try to avoid:
Lack of clarity
Vague descriptions or unclear outcomes.
Insufficient evidence
Claims that aren’t supported by data, examples, or measurable results.
Ignoring the criteria
Submissions that don’t clearly address all required criteria for the category.
Need Help?
If you’re unsure which award category best suits your submission, or if you’d like some guidance before submitting, please email Barb at cx@algim.org.nz
Award Categories – 2026
Award categories for ALGIM Awards 2026 include:
- Project of the Year Award
- Professional Excellence Team of the Year Award
- Training and Development Grant
- Excellence in IT Infrastructure (Network, Cloud & On‑Premise)
- Collaboration Excellence Award
- Jim Higgins Leadership Award
ALGIM Awards Guide
For detailed information on award categories, eligibility, and submission requirements, please refer to the ALGIM Awards Guide.