{"id":438905,"date":"2026-05-21T20:49:09","date_gmt":"2026-05-21T20:49:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/438905\/"},"modified":"2026-05-21T20:49:09","modified_gmt":"2026-05-21T20:49:09","slug":"infinz-awards-2026-nzs-top-finance-professionals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/438905\/","title":{"rendered":"Infinz Awards 2026: NZ\u2019s top finance professionals"},"content":{"rendered":"

This inaugural award was determined by voting among equity analysts within full-service sharebroking firms and larger New Zealand-based fund managers that are active investors in New Zealand equities. <\/p>\n

The winner had to have been ranked within 21-50 of the S&P\/NZX50 as at December 31, 2025, and headquartered in New Zealand.<\/p>\n

Channel Infrastructure has energy infrastructure across New Zealand and Australia. It operates New Zealand\u2019s largest fuel import terminal, as well as the Marsden Point Energy Precinct and owns part of Australia\u2019s jet fuel supply chain with a 25% share in the Somerton jet fuel pipeline.<\/p>\n

The company\u2019s Marsden Point site in Northland receives, stores, tests and distributes petrol, diesel, and jet fuel that its customers import and supply to Auckland and Northland. <\/p>\n

Judges said Channel Infrastructure provided very good disclosure of key revenue drivers and contract terms around new contract agreements and movements in its cost base.<\/p>\n

Very good access to management and site visits were provided by the company when required. It also had a consistent and clear dividend policy, judges said.<\/p>\n

The new award was created by Infinz this year by splitting its investor relations award into two categories. The other category is the Large-Cap Best Investor Relations Award.<\/p>\n

MUFG Pension & Market Services – Large-Cap Best Investor Relations<\/p>\n

Winner: Contact Energy<\/p>\n

\" MUFG Large Cap Best Investor Relations award winner Contact Energy CEO Mike Fuge, Shelley Hollingsworth (Contact) and Marcelle Ashcroft (MUFG).<\/p>\n

Judges said Contact Energy\u2019s ability to anticipate what investors might need was \u201cimpressive\u201d.<\/p>\n

Its disclosure led a sector which had a very high standard of investor relations, with disclosure around its recent acquisition of Manawa Energy \u201ca standout\u201d. <\/p>\n

The company, one of New Zealand\u2019s largest energy generators and retailers, issued \u201cexcellent\u201d presentation materials and provided ready access and responsiveness to questions, the judges\u2019 commentary said. <\/p>\n

Contact Energy has more than 650,000 customer connections with electricity, gas, broadband and mobile plans. It operates 11 power stations across New Zealand using geothermal, hydro and thermal energy to generate electricity.<\/p>\n

The award was determined by voting among equity analysts within the full-service sharebroking firms and larger New Zealand-based fund managers that are active investors in New Zealand equities.<\/p>\n

The winner had to have been ranked within the S&P\/NZX20 as at December 31, 2025, and headquartered in New Zealand.<\/p>\n

KPMG – Corporate ESG <\/p>\n

Winner: Tax Traders<\/p>\n

\"KPMGKPMG Corporate ESG Award (from left) Tara Daly (Tax Traders), Brodie Sutton (Tax Traders), Carla Haugh (Tax Traders), Nicola Taylor (Tax Traders), Tim Kirkpatrick (Tax Traders), Tiare Otene (KPMG) and Josh Taylor (Tax Traders).<\/p>\n

An expert judging panel recognised the fintech as a standout \u201cfor its many highly innovative and creative approaches\u201d.<\/p>\n

The company brought to life environmental, social and governance principles across every aspect of its operations, judges said.<\/p>\n

The award recognised and acknowledged an organisation from within the Infinz ecosystem which had proactively cultivated a focus on encouraging and nurturing diversity, mental health and working conditions of staff and suppliers and sustainability within its own organisation and in the wider ecosystem.<\/p>\n

The judges noted Tax Traders\u2019 particular focus on nurturing diversity and inclusion within its workforce and on developing a highly collaborative and family-friendly workplace while still delivering on its economic goals.<\/p>\n

They also commended the company for its \u201coutsized\u201d leadership impact across the financial services ecosystem.<\/p>\n

Public Trust – Diversified Growth Fund Manager <\/p>\n

Winner: Milford Asset Management<\/p>\n

\" Public Trust Diversified Growth Fund Manager award winner Jonathan Windust from Milford Asset Management and David Callanan (Public Trust).<\/p>\n

The \u201cconsistently strong\u201d performance track record noted by judges in awarding Milford this title also applies to its history of winning awards.<\/p>\n

The specialist investing firm has now won the Infinz diversified growth fund manager award four out of the five years it has been on offer, and was a finalist in the fifth year.<\/p>\n

And before Infinz merged the annual equities fund manager award into today\u2019s diversified growth award, Milford won the equities growth honour eight times between 2010 and 2020.<\/p>\n

Mike Cruickshank, Milford head of institutional clients, said no other fund manager had won the equities award twice from 2010 onwards.<\/p>\n

Judges said they considered a wide range of factors both quantitative and qualitative, in determining this year\u2019s winner.<\/p>\n

Milford was the candidate that excelled in each area, particularly in its consistently strong performance track record.<\/p>\n

\u201cPerformance was generated from strong bottom-up analysis, in a risk-controlled manner,\u201d judges said.<\/p>\n

They were also impressed with the quality of Milford\u2019s people and \u201ctheir alignment with customers\u2019 values\u201d.<\/p>\n

Cruickshank said judges took into account risk-adjusted returns, \u201cessentially the risk that we\u2019re taking to generate those returns; it\u2019s a huge factor in how we manage the fund\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are very aware of risk and risk management and we think it\u2019s as important to manage the downside as it is to capture the upside. This is certainly something our clients appreciate, minimising the volatility.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat shows through in some of the long-term performance numbers as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

Quantitative surveys by Melville Jessup Weaver – the independent specialist used by judges in determining an initial quantitative analysis of award contenders\u2019 performance – showed Milford ranked number one over 10-year periods in each of the past nine calendar year surveys, Cruickshank said.<\/p>\n

It was also ranked number one over five-year periods in eight of the nine surveys (and number two in the other).<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd we did that with a level of risk at, or below, the median over those five-year periods.\u201d<\/p>\n

On the qualitative side, Milford had been able to show the judging panel how it approached markets and managed risk, particularly in the first quarter of 2025 when markets were falling heavily in response to the tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe fund was able to preserve capital reasonably well and then springboard into the next quarter quite strongly as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

Judges said in determining the winner they needed to understand the people and approach behind each fund and further qualitative aspects such as socially responsible investment, fees and risk controls.<\/p>\n

So what is Milford\u2019s secret sauce in winning recognition?<\/p>\n

Cruickshank said the founders built a firm \u201cin order to have a fund manager New Zealanders could trust\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was built on a really strong alignment of interests with our clients. That was put in place in two ways: first being as that we as employees can only invest in Milford funds, which means we\u2019re in exactly the same funds as our clients; second, the founders were really keen to promote an ownership model where everyone in the business could be an owner of the business.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat promotes a really strong commitment from all staff to provide the best of us \u2013 the best performance, the best risk management we possibly can. I think that makes a huge difference.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo the culture is fantastic. In terms of approach, the founders built the business around active management and strong risk management. So getting out and visiting companies, competitors and peers \u2026 really understanding those businesses.\u201d<\/p>\n

Milford has \u201ca really broad and deep\u201d investment team, Cruickshank said. Of the 34 members, 18 were based in Australia and the rest in Auckland.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s strong collaboration across the team, whether it\u2019s between fixed income and equities or between global and Australasian asset classes. All of these people essentially feed into a strategy like the active growth fund, which this award was modelled off.\u201d<\/p>\n

PwC New Zealand – NZ Equity Market Transaction of the Year<\/p>\n

Winner: Vital Healthcare\u2019s $190m placement and $45m unit purchase plan <\/p>\n

Arranger, joint lead manager, underwriter: Craigs Investment Partners <\/p>\n

Joint lead managers and underwriters: Barrenjoey, Forsyth Barr<\/p>\n

\" PwC NZ NZ Equity Market Transaction of the Year (from left) Mark Bellefiore (Barrenjoey), Karen Shires (PwC NZ), Chris Adams (Vital Healthcare Property Trust), Megan Glenn (Forsyth Barr), and Justin Queale (Craigs Investment Partners).<\/p>\n

The successful placement of new units to new and existing Vital Healthcare unit holders was the central part of a $235 million capital raising to fund the internalisation of management of the healthcare properties entity.<\/p>\n

It was Vital\u2019s largest ever capital raising.<\/p>\n

Vital Healthcare Property Trust is the only specialist owner of healthcare property listed on the NZX. It is managed by its internalised healthcare property manager, Vital Healthcare Properties Management.<\/p>\n

The purchase plan was offered to Vital\u2019s retail investors in New Zealand.<\/p>\n

The move from an external management model to internalised management was designed to deliver greater and more sustainable returns to unit holders. The offer was strongly supported by existing and new investors.<\/p>\n

The award-winning client and adviser transaction was nominated by the industry and determined by an expert judging panel.<\/p>\n

The judging criteria included the extent to which the transaction met the needs of the client and investors and the extent to which it developed capital markets.<\/p>\n

Judges said the winning transaction was significant in that it funded an internalisation of management, leading to an enhanced corporate governance framework which should offer greater transparency and reporting benefits to investors.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe offer introduced new domestic and offshore institutions to the register and nearly all existing unit holders could participate; it was notable for the clarity of communication in offer documents.\u201d<\/p>\n

Craigs Investment Partners chief executive corporate and institutional Justin Queale said the equity raise funded the internalisation of the management contract which represented a key next step in Vital\u2019s evolution, strengthening the governance and providing a scalable platform positioned to capture the full benefit of future growth for unit holders.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe transaction was executed over an accelerated timetable, requiring simultaneous delivery of internalisation due diligence and negotiation alongside preparation of $235m equity raise \u2013 Vital\u2019s largest ever capital raising,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis was achieved while navigating challenging market conditions.\u201d<\/p>\n

MinterEllisonRuddWatts – M&A Transaction of the Year<\/p>\n

Winner: Contact Energy\u2019s $2.6 billion acquisition of Manawa Energy<\/p>\n

Transacting entity: Contact Energy<\/p>\n

Joint Lead Financial Advisers: Cameron Partners, UBS<\/p>\n

Independent ECM adviser: Rothschild & Co<\/p>\n

\" MinterEllisonRuddWatts M&A Transaction of the Year: Shelley Hollingsworth (Contact Energy), Neil Millar (MinterEllison), Sam Turner (Contact), Connor Anderson (Contact), Tim Boyce (Contact), Bodica Macdonald (Contact), Mike Fuge (Contact CEO), Jan Bibby (Contact), Dorian Devers (Contact), Matt Forbes (Contact), Kirsten Clayton (Contact), John Clark (Contact), Brett Woods (Contact), Jason Zhu (Contact), Will Thomson (Contact), Jennifer Hewitt (Contact), Saralaya Frost (Contact), Emily Ross (Contact), Max Montgomery (UBS), Tejan Vallabh (Contact), and Rachel Kirby (Contact).<\/p>\n

The $2.6b enterprise value takeover of electricity generator Manawa Energy by one of New Zealand\u2019s big four gentailers, Contact Energy, is thought to be the largest public scrip-based, peer-to-peer transaction in New Zealand history.<\/p>\n

The acquisition created the country\u2019s second-largest renewable energy generator and was achieved under heavy Commerce Commission scrutiny and during major energy market volatility.<\/p>\n

Award judges noted the transaction utilised a $900m underwritten bridge loan to ensure strict confidentiality and funding certainty.<\/p>\n

Cameron Partners adviser Murdo Beattie said there were \u201ca lot of moving parts\u201d to the transaction agreement, which required significant capital raising and getting and maintaining shareholder support on both sides.<\/p>\n

Adding to the flavour, the negotiating parties were all \u201csophisticated\u201d, including listed infrastructure investor Infratil which owned 51% of Manawa, and the Manawa Consumer Trust, he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd we had a reasonably sophisticated Commerce Commission process. At first glance it might have looked difficult (the proposal) but we were confident \u2026. the Commerce Commission has to apply the law and we were comfortable that as the law required, we were not creating a substantial lessening of competition \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

The regulator initially expressed reservations about the takeover and the ability the two would have to influence wholesale power prices and electricity supplies to other power retailers.<\/p>\n

At the time of the acquisition, between Contact and Manawa, spread across New Zealand there were 27 hydro generation stations, seven geothermal stations, four thermal stations, one grid-scale battery under development, and one solar farm under development. Together, they also had a significant pipeline of future renewable energy generation.<\/p>\n

Contact, a full power generator and retailer (gentailer), is one of New Zealand\u2019s top four power entities, while Manawa, the generating business left over when Trustpower sold off its retail operation, was a distant fifth.<\/p>\n

Beattie said the board of directors of both Contact and Manawa deserved credit for pushing ahead with the deal when both were performing.<\/p>\n

\u201cBoth boards had the courage to give weight to the analysis and agree that the combination created a better outcome for both sets of shareholders and pressed on with it. Senior management too \u2013 for them it\u2019s risky as well.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think the results of the transaction and the share price reaction demonstrates they were absolutely right to do that. But it\u2019s not easy to step out and take those risks and pay whatever the premium was.\u201d<\/p>\n

The weather at the time, which sent spot electricity prices sky-high, was also a challenge.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo it wasn\u2019t the most favourable environment. What people don\u2019t realise, of course, is that when energy prices are high, usually the retail businesses are losing money,\u201d Beattie said.<\/p>\n

\u201cManawa had a hiccup in the run-up to the announcement where they had a bad debt and had to downgrade their guidance for the year ahead \u2026 so there was all of that and the debate about whether that went to the price or whether it was just a single one-off incident. All that\u2019s alarming.\u201d<\/p>\n

The award winners were nominated by the industry and determined by an expert judging panel.<\/p>\n

Judging criteria included the success of the transaction in meeting the strategic and financial goals established by the corporate concerned.<\/p>\n

BDO – Mid-Market M&A Transaction of the Year<\/p>\n

Winner: Merger of Forest360 and PF Olsen, supported by Adamantem Capital<\/p>\n

Financial adviser: KPMG<\/p>\n

\" BDO Mid Market M&A Transaction of the year (from left to right) Michael Pollard (Simpson Grierson), Ross Larcombe (KPMG), Dan Gaddum (Forest360), Nick McKay (KPMG), Alex Franks (Chapman Tripp), Hillary Roberts (Chapman Tripp), and Craig Lamberton (BDO NZ).<\/p>\n

This merger created the largest independent forest management company in Australasia.<\/p>\n

As part of the transaction, forest managers PF Olsen and Forest360 brought on private investor Adamantem Capital as an investment partner, alongside PF Olsen cornerstone shareholder Quayside Holdings, to support the new group\u2019s next stage of growth.<\/p>\n

The group now manages around 480,000ha of forest and supports more than 1000 clients, from major institutional investors to family-run businesses and private landowners.<\/p>\n

Expert panel judges noted the winning transaction involved a merger of two independent entities and shareholder bases across two geographic jurisdictions and regulatory approval frameworks.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt also had the added deal complexity (and benefit) of a post-merger, third-party recapitalisation of the new merged entity.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis enabled a flexible payment consideration allowing non-operating\/long-term shareholders to fully crystalise their investment and the option to reinvest into the merged platform.\u201d<\/p>\n

Conditions for the award, which recognised both the transacting entity and lead financial adviser involved, demanded the target or acquiror had a capitalisation of less than $250m.<\/p>\n

Judging criteria included the success of the transaction in meeting the strategic and financial goals established by the corporate, the complexity of the transaction and challenges overcome.<\/p>\n

Fitch Ratings – Innovation in Financial Services <\/p>\n

Winner: Taxi \u2013 business funding financial services platform<\/p>\n

\" Fitch Ratings Innovation in Financial Services award (from left) David Brooks (Fitch), Brodie Sutton (Tax Traders), Josh Taylor (Taxi), Nicola Taylor (Taxi), Tim Kirkpatrick (Taxi), and Chris Vojc (Taxi).<\/p>\n

An offshoot of tax pooling provider Tax Traders, the fintech Taxi claims to offer Kiwi businesses easy access to working capital at about half the rate of a \u201cbig bank\u201d overdraft.<\/p>\n

The expert judging panel said while elements of tax pooling had existed previously, it recognised Taxi\u2019s achievement in productising, democratising and scaling what had historically been complex, bespoke arrangements.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis required significant legal structuring, regulatory engagement and system design, resulting in a solution that is now readily accessible to a broad SME base.\u201d<\/p>\n

The award recognises and acknowledges an organisation from within the Infinz ecosystem which has introduced new or enhanced services that have created value for customers and the wider economy, such as a positive customer, market, economic and\/or social outcome.<\/p>\n

Computershare – NZ Debt Market Issue of the Year<\/p>\n

Winner: Community Housing Funding Agency, inaugural offer of NZ$200m social bonds<\/p>\n

Issuer: Community Housing Funding Agency<\/p>\n

Adviser: Intemark<\/p>\n

Arranger, Lead Manager, Sustainability co-ordinator: ANZ<\/p>\n

\" Computershare NZ Debt Market Issue of the year (from left) Richard McClew (ANZ), Ashleigh Yee (Community Finance), Shelley Stoddart (Community Finance), Jo Glen (Community Finance), Tim Chapman (ANZ), Antonia Watson (ANZ NZ CEO), John Horrell (Community Finance), Steve Moe (Community Finance), James Palmer (Community Finance), Charles Bolt (Computershare), Jared Barton-Hills (Intemark) Andrew Allen (Community Finance), Emily Roughton (Community Finance), and Luke Strom (Community Finance).<\/p>\n

The successful pricing of the inaugural $200m Social Bond issued by the Community Housing Funding Agency in September last year was seen as a landmark move for New Zealand\u2019s housing sector.<\/p>\n

Lead manager ANZ New Zealand said at the time it represented a major step forward in addressing the country\u2019s critical shortage of affordable and social housing, with over 19,000 households then on the public housing waitlist and an estimated capital need of $13 billion.<\/p>\n

The agency was established in 2024 as a funding vehicle to channel wholesale capital into the community housing sector.<\/p>\n

It has an A+ credit rating from S&P Global Ratings and access to a Crown Standby Facility of up to $150m.<\/p>\n

Launched by Community Finance, the agency provides investors with the opportunity to acquire social bonds that are invested domestically, to support community and affordable housing providers.<\/p>\n

The Infinz award recognised the bank\/adviser and issuer of the best New Zealand debt issue of the year as nominated by the industry and determined by an expert judging panel.<\/p>\n

The judging criteria included the extent to which the issue meets the needs of both the issuer and the investors, and the extent to which it develops capital markets.<\/p>\n

The judges said they were impressed with the establishment of a \u201chighly innovative\u201d new institutional asset class.<\/p>\n

\u201cKey innovations include it being the first social bond offer in New Zealand by a domestic issuer and the purpose-built funding agency structure giving investors mortgage-backed security and an A+ rating from S&P without a direct government guarantee,\u201d they said.<\/p>\n

\u201cBy lowering the funding costs of each delivered social housing unit by circa $100,000 over 25 years, it will enable close to 20% more social housing units per dollar of Crown funding.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Community Housing Funding Agency was established to bring New Zealand into line with international peers by providing a bond aggregator to raise funds at scale and lower cost for the affordable housing sector.<\/p>\n

It is a \u201csingle issuer\u201d of bonds into debt capital markets to aggregate the borrowing needs of community housing providers and other eligible borrowers supporting affordable housing.<\/p>\n

To support its lending programme the agency sources funds from a diverse range of partners, including debt capital markets, banks, philanthropic investors, and the Crown.<\/p>\n

Hunter Campbell – Emerging Leader of the Year<\/p>\n

Winner: Rebecca Kingi<\/p>\n

\" Hunter Campbell Emerging Leader of the year Rebecca Kingi (ANZ) with Lee Marshall (Hunter Campbell).<\/p>\n

Judges said the independent human rights legal specialist had impressed with her leadership, innovation and impact.<\/p>\n

Kingi is an independent legal specialist on human trafficking and is the ESG initiatives lead at ANZ.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe has rapidly elevated ANZ\u2019s modern slavery response – embedding human rights within its ESG strategy, establishing a New Zealand modern slavery working group and designing a New Zealand-specific modern slavery risk identification and escalation process that has already enabled timely interventions,\u201d judges said.<\/p>\n

Kingi was also one of three individuals invited to draft cross-party modern slavery legislation.<\/p>\n

The award, determined by an expert judging panel, recognises an Infinz member under 40 years of age with at least five years\u2019 work experience.<\/p>\n

It recognises individuals who exemplify outstanding leadership through their values and actions, demonstrating a clear vision and integrity in their role.<\/p>\n

Chapman Tripp – Debt Deal of the Year<\/p>\n

Winner: Harmony Energy<\/p>\n

280GWh Tauhei Solar Farm: Senior debt facilities<\/p>\n

Sponsor, developer: Harmony Energy<\/p>\n

Sponsor: First Renewables<\/p>\n

Financial adviser, lender, issuing bank and facility agent: MUFG (Mitsubishi UFG Financial Group)<\/p>\n

Lender, hedging bank and issuing bank: BNZ<\/p>\n

Lenders and hedging banks: ANZ, ASB<\/p>\n

\" Chapman Tripp Debt Deal Of the Year (from left): Ryno du Preez (Harmony Energy), Jonathan Earl (Harmony Energy), Pete Grogan (Harmony Energy), Andrew Tait (MUFG Bank), Garth Elmes (Harmony Energy), Emma Sutcliffe (Chapman Tripp), Mark Andrews (BNZ), Rodion Kruger (Harmony Energy), Mitchell Snowden (Clarus), James Huang (MUFG), Brendon Mahood (ANZ), and Scott Wilson (ASB).<\/p>\n

The syndicated debt facility of around $250m formed the backing for construction and development of a 202MW solar farm in the Waikato, a joint venture between Harmony Energy and First Renewables.<\/p>\n

The farm, with the potential to power 35,000 homes, will be the country\u2019s largest operating solar farm, covering 182ha. Commissioning of the site near Te Aroha is expected later this year.<\/p>\n

Established in 2019, Harmony is the dedicated New Zealand business arm of UK-founded Harmony Energy.<\/p>\n

The award recognised both the client and the banking manager\/underwriters involved in a project with precedent-setting lender support.<\/p>\n

Judging criteria included the degree to which the client\u2019s objectives were met, the complexity of the deal, innovation and the importance of the transaction to the wider economy and society.<\/p>\n

Judges said the project finance transaction was particularly notable due to its scale and the independence of the project\u2019s sponsors and the project off-taker.<\/p>\n

The deal also involved bringing a large offshore solar specialist contractor into the New Zealand market to establish operations.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe complexity required precedent-setting support from the lenders and helped to deepen renewable energy project finance capability in New Zealand,\u201d judges said.<\/p>\n

Harmony Energy, which develops, builds, owns and operates renewable energy infrastructure projects across New Zealand on a utility-scale, said as well as the Tauhei farm, its projects include 200MW at ready-to-build stage, 700MW of solar generation under development and 1000MWh of energy storage under development.<\/p>\n

Tax Management – NZ Mid-Market Debt Transaction of the Year<\/p>\n

Winner: Totara Learning Solutions: debt facilities<\/p>\n

Borrower: Totara Learning<\/p>\n

Sponsor: Tenzing Private Equity<\/p>\n

Lender: BNZ<\/p>\n

\" Tax Management NZ (TMNZ) Mid Market Debt Transaction of the Year (from left) Matt Edwards (TMNZ), Guy Jolly (BNZ), Tim Wixon (BNZ), Billy Green (Tenzing Private Equity), and Alex King (BNZ).<\/p>\n

The expert judging panel was impressed that the funder backed the New Zealand tech sector by taking on more risk and offering Totara better lending terms.<\/p>\n

This had allowed the workplace learning technology provider to access funding in New Zealand instead of relying on overseas investors.<\/p>\n

The award was established to recognise all debt transactions between $10m and $100m other than bond issues.<\/p>\n

Judging criteria includes the degree to which the client\u2019s objectives were met, the complexity of the deal, innovation, and the importance of the transaction to the wider economy and its impact on society.<\/p>\n

Foundation North – Te Tohu Kahukura Maori Leadership in Finance <\/p>\n

Winner: Jamie Tuuta<\/p>\n

Winner: Michael Pohio<\/p>\n

Kahukura comes from a M\u0101ori whakatauki \u2013 \u201cMa te kahukura, ka rere te manu\u201d. The saying means \u201cAdorn the bird with feathers so that it may fly\u201d. The kahukura are the feathers.<\/p>\n

The saying is used to describe those who have achieved great things (the feathers) and, because of that, they are flying.<\/p>\n

The award, determined by an expert judging panel, acknowledges an individual M\u0101ori finance professional who has contributed to the successful economic development of M\u0101ori and to the wider community.<\/p>\n

Jamie Tuuta<\/p>\n

\" Foundation North Te Tohu Kahukura Maori Leadership in Finance award winner Jamie Tuuta.<\/p>\n

Judges said Tuuta had made an outstanding contribution to M\u0101ori finance and business as a chief executive and a governor over a long period. He had been active in many sectors including fisheries, tourism, farming, housing and investment in collectives.<\/p>\n

They noted his diversity of experience, leadership qualities and mentoring of emerging M\u0101ori leaders and his record of growing successful enterprises through improving their finance performance.<\/p>\n

Michael Pohio<\/p>\n

\" Foundation North Te Tohu Kahukura Maori Leadership in Finance award winner Michael Pohio.<\/p>\n

Judges said Pohio had an outstanding reputation in M\u0101ori finance and business, holding leadership positions in Tainui Group Holdings, the commercial development arm of Waikato-Tainui, and Ng\u0101i Tahu Holdings, along with other M\u0101ori entities.<\/p>\n

They noted Pohio\u2019s success in materially growing M\u0101ori businesses by improving their capital management and financial performance.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe has a respected track record of transforming existing businesses.\u201d<\/p>\n

Infinz Distinguished Fellow <\/p>\n

Two distinguished fellowships were awarded in 2026 in recognition of career success and for contributions to the financial services sector.<\/p>\n

Alison Gerry was recognised as an outstanding leader in New Zealand governance and finance while Mark Butcher was recognised as a highly respected leader in the financial markets sector.<\/p>\n

\" Infinz Distinguished Fellows (from left) Sarah Minhinnick (Infinz deputy chairwoman), Alison Gerry, Mark Butcher and Will Goodwin (Infinz chairman).<\/p>\n

The service of both had been previously recognised by Infinz fellowships.<\/p>\n

Gerry chairs listed infrastructure investor Infratil and is a director on the boards of ANZ New Zealand, Air New Zealand and Sharesies Australia. Her governance career has included roles with NZX, Kiwibank and TVNZ.<\/p>\n

Infinz said that beyond the boardroom Gerry had significantly contributed to mentoring and supporting women in business through speaking, advocacy and as co-founder of On Being Bold. She is also a former Infinz awards judge and has mentored emerging leaders.<\/p>\n

Butcher is chief executive of the New Zealand Local Government Funding Agency, a role he\u2019s held for more than 11 years.<\/p>\n

He is a former Auckland Council treasurer and general manager of AllianceBernstein NZ.<\/p>\n

Butcher\u2019s contribution to the industry includes serving on the board of the New Zealand Financial Markets Association and previously chairing its debt capital markets committee.<\/p>\n

He chairs Waikato Tainui Group\u2019s investment committee and formerly chaired the New Plymouth PIF Guardians. He has served two terms on the Infinz board, contributing to industry advocacy and events, and is an Infinz awards judge.<\/p>\n

Johnson Partners – Leadership<\/p>\n

Winner: Sophie Moloney, chief executive Sky New Zealand<\/p>\n

\"JohnsonJohnson Partners Leadership Award: Nicola Morris (Johnson Partners) gave the award to Sky TV CEO Sophie Moloney.<\/p>\n

Judges praised Moloney for Sky\u2019s operational and strategic recovery in a structurally difficult sector, noting the listed broadcaster\u2019s \u201cexceptional\u201d total shareholder return performance and significant structural transformation.<\/p>\n

When added to these achievements, the company\u2019s financial resilience had positioned Moloney as a \u201cstandout performer\u201d relative to her peers.<\/p>\n

Moloney, who was described as \u201cmeasured, understated and values-led\u201d and achieving high staff engagement despite operational pressure, responds that one of Sky\u2019s values is \u201cbe yourself\u201d.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a value she says she lives out, every day, \u201cunderstanding that if we can be ourselves and feel like we belong, we will be at our most present and productive at work (and at home)\u201d.<\/p>\n

The award reflected the work of her \u201cincredible\u201d Sky team, while her team at home cheered her on and provided feedback in equal measure.<\/p>\n

On achieving high staff engagement, Moloney said even the best strategy in the world only succeeds if a team was connected and \u201cbelieved in what you\u2019re trying to achieve together\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve now had three consecutive years of improved engagement while navigating a huge amount of organisational change which really speaks to the collective effort across our teams.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd there\u2019s still more to do as we continue building the best Sky possible.\u201d<\/p>\n

Judges noted that while Sky\u2019s earnings had softened in the most recent year, the combination of disciplined execution, improving shareholder returns and strategic repositioning reflected financial progress under Moloney\u2019s leadership.<\/p>\n

On highlights of the pay-TV provider\u2019s recovery from its struggling days five years ago, Moloney said securing major long-term sports rights on terms that made commercial sense had been \u201ca huge one for us\u201d.<\/p>\n

These included renewing a partnership with NZ Rugby, bringing back New Zealand cricket home internationals, and securing the exclusive rights to the Olympic Games until Brisbane 2032.<\/p>\n

The acquisition of Discovery NZ was another, and bringing television channels Three and ThreeNow into the Sky portfolio was \u201ca real gamechanger\u201d.<\/p>\n

She said the challenges she faced as CEO in steering the recovery were shared by many in the sector and wider economy as it navigated ongoing cost-of-living issues and geopolitical headwinds.<\/p>\n

\u201cLeading the business through the rise of Spark Sport was a defining period for us and, on many metrics, it wasn\u2019t a battle we were expected to win.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe did so by staying focused on what mattered to our customers, while also making disciplined decisions across the business to support the consequential rights-cost inflation.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe were thrown a different kind of curve ball during our satellite migration project, when the information \u2018in space\u2019 didn\u2019t match what we were seeing and hearing \u2018on the ground\u2019.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was a highly dynamic time but also an incredible opportunity to galvanise the team, who showed extraordinary discretionary effort throughout. I\u2019m also grateful for a hugely supportive board and chairman.\u201d<\/p>\n

More recently, and like other local players, the company was competing with global giants in an increasingly crowded market.<\/p>\n

In the face of this challenge, Moloney said Sky NZ was working hard to differentiate itself and highlight what makes the company unique.<\/p>\n

The leadership award, assessed by an expert judging panel, focused not only on key financial performance metrics, but also on critical elements that delivered sustained performance over time, said Infinz.<\/p>\n

The winner must demonstrate strategic, sustainable leadership along with a measurable shift in market, direction or future of the business, as proven by top-line growth, market position and total shareholder return.<\/p>\n

Their company must be listed on the NZX and have a minimum market capitalisation of $400m. The CEO must have been in their job for at least five years and live in New Zealand.<\/p>\n

Stay ahead with the latest market moves, corporate updates, and economic insights by subscribing to our Business newsletter<\/a> \u2013 your essential weekly round-up of all the business news you need.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"This inaugural award was determined by voting among equity analysts within full-service sharebroking firms and larger New Zealand-based…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":438906,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[2246,4765,224334,51,10779,138,30271,246,10938,2454,219135,374,14995,685,111,139,69,3272,7289,19957,6791,2515,53397,11422,1961,3010,686,5977,16566,377,1530],"class_list":["post-438905","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-business","tag-2246","tag-annual","tag-assembled","tag-auckland","tag-awards","tag-business","tag-figures","tag-finance","tag-herald","tag-industry","tag-infinz","tag-innovation","tag-institute","tag-last","tag-new-zealand","tag-newzealand","tag-nz","tag-nzs","tag-professionals","tag-profiles","tag-prominent","tag-raise","tag-reward","tag-standards","tag-this","tag-top","tag-week","tag-which","tag-winners","tag-world","tag-years"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/438905","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=438905"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/438905\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/438906"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=438905"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=438905"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=438905"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}