YouTube NZ Marketing Awards 2026 call for entries is open!

It’s time to show off your best marketing achievements as the YouTube NZ Marketing Awards call for entries officially opens.

NZ Marketing magazine, the NZ Marketing Association and naming partner YouTube are thrilled to once again invite marketers across Aotearoa to enter the Awards. It’s an opportunity to showcase how your strategies and creativity have delivered real results to businesses and brands across the nation and beyond.

“We know that marketers in this country produce world-class work,” says NZ Marketing editor Penny Murray. “Now’s the time to show us how you’ve moved the dial for businesses and brands. We’re also marking the 35th anniversary of the Awards in 2026 – an extra reason to celebrate.”

NZ Marketing Association chief executive John Miles adds: “Each year the YouTube NZ Marketing Awards celebrate the work that is setting the standard for marketing in Aotearoa.

“They recognise the strategy, creativity and commercial impact brilliant marketers are delivering across the country. As the industry continues to evolve, the Awards evolve with it. This year we’re introducing a new AI category to recognise organisations applying artificial intelligence in thoughtful and responsible ways to strengthen marketing capability and outcomes.”

YouTube is premier sponsor

After two brilliant years, YouTube is again on board as premier sponsor, having signed a new three-year commitment to the Awards.

“I’m so pleased to share that YouTube has signed on as premier sponsor of the YouTube NZ Marketing Awards for the next three years,” says Caroline Rainsford, Country Director for Google NZ.

“YouTube is the heart of culture, with music, sports, and entertainment, and your brand at the centre of it all. No matter your objective, YouTube puts the most trusted creators alongside AI solutions that deliver the results. I can’t wait to see what the entries of the 2026 Awards bring to the table!”

Enter your work

Marketers across Aotearoa are encouraged to enter and share the strategies and campaigns that have delivered results.

There are more than 30 categories across three main areas: Marketing Excellence Awards, Marketing Campaign Awards and Individual Awards.

• Marketing Excellence Awards celebrate excellence in specific disciplines across different sectors, demonstrating how effective marketing strategy has led to measurable results for a business or brand.
• Marketing Campaign Awards recognise innovative and agile marketing initiatives that have identified short-term opportunities or challenges and delivered tangible results within 12 months or less.
• Individual Awards honour marketing professionals who have contributed to a business or brand’s overall marketing success, both in the short and long term.
• Call for entries: Thursday, March 12
• Entries close: Friday, April 24, 5pm
• Extension deadline: Monday, May 4, 5pm (at an additional $150+GST)
• Judging rounds 1&2: May to July
• Finalists announced: Tuesday, June 23
• Awards night: Wednesday, September 2 at Spark Arena

Head to the NZ Marketing website to see sample entry forms.

Enter the YouTube NZ Marketing Awards 2026 here.

YouTube NZ Marketing Awards key dates for 2026

For further information about the Awards, including details on how to enter, a list of categories, specifics on the judging process and FAQs, visit the NZ Marketing website or email us at events@marketing.org.nz.