Celebrating the winners of the 2026 ITENZ Awards for Excellence
The outstanding contribution of private training establishments to learners, industries and communities across Aotearoa New Zealand has been celebrated at the 2026 ITENZ Awards.
The ITENZ Awards are the only national awards dedicated exclusively to recognising excellence within New Zealand’s private training establishment sector. With no other awards providing this level of recognition for PTEs, being nominated, highly commended or named as an award winner is a significant achievement.
The judging panel said the calibre of this year’s nominations was among the strongest in the history of the awards. Entries demonstrated the quality, innovation and commitment found throughout the sector, particularly in teaching, learner support, cultural responsiveness, industry engagement and organisational leadership.
ITENZ Chief Executive Wayne Dyer said the awards provided an important opportunity to showcase a sector that consistently makes a meaningful difference to learners and communities.
“Private training establishments are an essential part of New Zealand’s tertiary education system. They are responsive to the needs of learners and employers, deliver education in communities throughout the country and create pathways into employment, further education and lifelong success.”
“The quality of this year’s nominations was exceptional. Every nominee should be proud of their contribution and of the recognition they have received from their colleagues and peers. To be nominated for the ITENZ Awards is an achievement in itself, and to be highly commended or win an award is a tremendous honour.”
Supreme Award – Sponsored by Instructure
Paea Otumuli from The Learning Wave (pictured below) received the 2026 ITENZ Supreme Award for an exceptional contribution that extends far beyond the classroom. His culturally grounded approach connects literacy and numeracy learning with the real-life experiences of learners, creating environments that are safe, inclusive and empowering. Paea’s work has strengthened organisational capability, supported priority communities and made learning more accessible. The scale, depth and lasting impact of his contribution made him a highly deserving recipient of ITENZ’s highest honour.
Provider of the Year - Sponsored by Public Trust
Le Cordon Bleu (pictured below) was recognised for its responsive and inclusive teaching, outstanding pastoral care and strong culture of continuous improvement. Student, staff and industry evidence demonstrated the organisation’s commitment to reflective practice and learner success. Its influence extends into the wider culinary sector through industry-responsive programmes, collaborative partnerships, events and charitable initiatives. This excellence has also received international recognition, with Le Cordon Bleu named Oceania’s Top Culinary Training Institution at the 2025 World Culinary Awards.
Highly commended: Dairy Training NZ and Cavalli College
Outstanding Performance Award – Sponsored by Wisenet
Tiffany Andrews from Fruition Horticulture (pictured below) is a transformational academic leader whose influence spans learner wellbeing, organisational quality and sector innovation. She has redesigned assessments to remove barriers for diverse learners and introduced AI tools that improve accessibility and learner confidence. Tiffany leads Code of Practice attestation, contributes to equity-focused research and supports industry-responsive programme development. Her work is informed by learner feedback, colleague endorsement and a strong commitment to pastoral care and equitable outcomes.
Highly commended: Hope Laurence from Edvance Workplace Education
Tutor of the Year – Sponsored by Pipi Learning
Dr Syeda Sadia Farzana from ATMC New Zealand (pictured below) demonstrates excellence in teaching, assessment design and academic leadership. Her culturally responsive practice integrates Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Te Whare Tapa Whā, New Zealand health policy and professional communication. She supports internationally trained healthcare professionals to transition confidently into the New Zealand health environment. Dr Farzana also strengthens the wider education and health sectors through mentoring, conference presentations and practitioner research that informs best practice.
Highly commended: Julia Bruce-Mayne from Edvance Workplace Education
Literacy and Numeracy Educator of the Year – Sponsored by ITENZ
Paea Otumuli (pictured below) creates safe, empathetic and culturally responsive learning environments that connect literacy and numeracy with learners’ real-life experiences. His work supports learners facing demanding workplace commitments and other competing priorities. Paea has also strengthened capability across his organisation by incorporating Pasifika concepts of learning and leadership into established models. His exceptional contribution advances learner outcomes, empowers communities and leaves a lasting impact well beyond the classroom.
Highly commended: Helen Thorn from Edvance Workplace Education
Celebrating Excellence in the PTE Sector
The achievements recognised through the awards reflect the wider strength of the PTE sector. PTEs support learners from diverse backgrounds, respond quickly to workforce and community needs and deliver education that is practical, innovative and closely connected to employment and industry.
“The ITENZ Awards allow us to share these stories and ensure the contribution fo PTEs is seen and celebrated,” Mr Dyer said. “These organisations and individuals represent the very best of our sector, and their work demonstrates the positive impact that high-quality, learner-focused education can have.”
