MEDIA RELEASE
EMBARGOED UNTIL 9.00 AM, 7 OCTOBER 2016
2016 New Zealand Spatial Excellence Awards Finalists Announced
Wellington 7 October 2016 – The 2016 New Zealand Spatial Excellence Awards finalists were announced this morning at a breakfast function at the
Wellington Club. Now in its third year, the 2106 event attracted 63 entries, almost double the number of entries
received in 2015.
Hadyn Smith, one of the event organisers, says the increase in entries is a graphic illustration of the growing
importance of spatial data and the role it plays in everyday business.
“Spatial data is everywhere today but it’s mostly invisible because we take it for granted. Map apps on our smart
phones, calling for an Uber ride or tracking our pizza delivery aren’t regarded as anything out of the ordinary, but
without spatial data they just wouldn’t happen,” says Smith.
Dave Pimblott, a member of the NZSEA judging panel, says the entries submitted this year cover a diverse range of
industry sectors and are world class, both conceptually and in their application.
“The quality of entries this year are illustrative of a stunning array of geospatial initiatives across the broadest
possible range of business disciplines. It is heartening to see entries from not only government and private industry,
but also from not-for profit agencies.”
“There were many excellent examples of huge operational, and economic benefits from the implementation and use of
geospatial initiatives within a diverse range of organisations,” says Pimblott.
The winners in each category will be announced at a black tie gala dinner to be held at Te Papa Tongarewa, Wellington,
on Wednesday 16 November 2016.
The 2016 New Zealand Spatial Excellence Awards Finalists are:
Spatial Industries Business Association Award for Export
• ThunderMaps
• Aurecon
• CoreLogic New Zealand
Land Information New Zealand Environment and Sustainability Award
• Statistics New Zealand / Ministry for the Environment
• Predator Free New Zealand Trust
• OSPRI New Zealand
CoreLogic Innovation and Commercialisation Award
• Ballance Agri-Nutrients
• Marlborough District Council
• Ravensdown Limited
Statistics New Zealand People and Community Award
• Wellington City Council
• Eliot Sinclair and Partners Ltd
• Predator Free New Zealand Trust
e-Spatial Spatial Enablement Award
• New Zealand Transport Agency
• Critchlow Limited
• Department of Conservation
• Ministry for Primary Industries
Critchlow Limited Technical Excellence Award
• National Geodetic Office, Land Information New Zealand
• Stronger Christchurch Infrastructure Rebuild Team (SCIRT) GIS Team
• CoreLogic New Zealand
New Zealand Institute of Surveyors Education & Professional Development Award
• Dr Antoni Moore, University of Otago
• Nicola Hodson, Tauranga Girls' College
• Sophie Curtis-Ham, New Zealand Police
Eagle Technology Professional of the Year Award
• Wendy Lawson, University of Canterbury
• Nathan Heazlewood, Eagle Technology
• Norm Thornley, Department of Conservation
Eagle Technology Young Professional of the Year Award
• Kurt Janssen
• Robyn Crisford
• James Lyth
Postgraduate Student of the Year Award
• Mike McConachie
• Daniel Hogg
Wellington City Council Undergraduate Student of the Year Award
• Jeanette Ma
• Andrew Douglas-Clifford
Supreme Excellence Award
The 2016 NZSEA Supreme Excellence Award will be announced at the Gala Prize Dinner on 16 November. It is selected from
one of the organisational category winners by the Judging Panel. The Supreme Award, in the judges’ opinion, represents
the pinnacle of achievement in the spatial industry.
~ends~
About the New Zealand Spatial Excellence Awards
The New Zealand Spatial Excellence Awards seek out and give recognition to the best, the high achievers, and the
contributors who set the benchmarks that others will follow, becoming the role models for the next generation of the
spatial profession.
The Awards are a joint venture between the spatial profession, business and government to hold annual awards for all
sectors, disciplines and communities that make up the spatial industry. Each partner contributes its resources and
expertise to make sure the awards reach the highest standards of excellence and independence.
NZSEA provides a stepping stone for organisations and individuals to be nominated in the Asia-Pacific Spatial Excellence
Awards (APSEA) – the only awards for the Asia Pacific region that recognise the excellent achievements of both
individuals and organisations engaged in the spatial information industry.