We are proud to once again sponsor the Sheffield Emerging Leader of the Year Award at the 2026 LGFA Taituarā Excellence Awards. We have supported this award for several years because recognising developing leadership capability in local government is important to us. Each year we meet young professionals who bring fresh thinking, practical innovation and a real commitment to strengthening their communities.
With nominations now open, we encourage councils across Aotearoa to recognise their rising leaders. If you know a professional aged 35 or under who is demonstrating leadership potential and making a meaningful impact, this award offers an excellent opportunity to acknowledge their contribution.
Nominations can be made by anyone within the nominee’s employing council, and all nominations must be endorsed by the Chief Executive unless the Chief Executive is the nominator.
The Sheffield Emerging Leader of the Year Award is more than recognition. It provides the successful recipient with a significant professional development opportunity through attendance at the ICMA Conference in the United States. The exposure to international practice, new thinking and sector wide insights is invaluable for emerging leaders and the organisations they serve.
If someone in your organisation is showing promise, leading with initiative and helping drive positive outcomes for your community, we invite you to nominate them. Nominations close on 13 March 2026 and the award will be announced on 18 June 2026 at the LGFA Taituarā Local Government Excellence Awards at Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre, Te Whanganui a Tara Wellington.
You can access full details and submit a nomination on the Taituarā website.
Click here to submit a nomination
2025 Emerging Leader of the Year, Ashley Huria
2025 Emerging Leader of the Year, Ashley Huria, Business Performance Manager at Horowhenua District Council, captures why this award matters. In her short video, Ashley reflects on the impact of winning the award and attending the ICMA Conference.
Ashley also shared her experience in a written piece, offering insights and learnings from connecting with global peers at the ICMA Conference.
Click here to read the article.