Upcoming Events

Robert Walters Leadership Awards

The New Zealand Leadership Awards is back for its second year, and we’re excited to share that we will once again be the official charity partner for this incredible program. Nominations are now open! Don’t miss the chance to nominate yourself or an exceptional leader today and celebrate the inspirational individuals paving the way for Aotearoa’s future.

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Past Events

Excellence Awards 2024

On Thursday 17th October, we celebrated our annual National Excellence Awards at the Hyundai Marine Sports Centre. This highly anticipated event shone a spotlight on the outstanding achievements of our ākonga, staff, and volunteers across Aotearoa.

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Drop Your Boss

An adrenaline-fuelled challenge where leaders, and anyone up for the thrill, step out of their comfort zone by taking the brave leap off the Sky Tower to support young people. This unique event highlights a commitment to inspiring resilience and confidence in tamariki and rangatahi all while raising funds for our positive youth development programmes. In 2024, we raised nearly $60,000, and in 2025, we’re celebrating 10 years of Drop Your Boss! We’re excited to mark this milestone and make an even bigger impact. Stay tuned for exciting updates and ways to get involved!

Research Symposium

An insightful event showcasing the latest research on youth development, education, and well-being. Experts, educators, and industry leaders share knowledge and discuss innovative approaches to supporting young people in Aotearoa. In 2024, our Research Symposium at the University of Auckland was a thought-provoking success, featuring eight inspiring speakers. Discussions explored how identity shapes a young person’s experiences, sparking valuable conversations about the future of youth development.

Prime Minister's Dinner

An exclusive evening bringing together New Zealand’s top business leaders, key supporters, and government representatives to advocate for positive youth development. This prestigious event features a multi-course degustation menu, engaging discussions, and a live auction, all in support of empowering tamariki and rangatahi. In 2024, we raised an incredible $84,000, directly supporting our programmes. With meaningful conversations on social impact and early intervention, the evening showcased the power of collective action for young people across Aotearoa.

Quiz Night

A fun-filled evening of trivia, teamwork, and friendly competition, exclusively for our valued supporters and partners. This exciting event brings together dedicated individuals for a night of brain teasers and entertainment, all while raising funds to empower young people through our life-changing programmes. Our inaugural Quiz Night in 2024 was a huge success, raising over $18,000 to support more than 27,000 tamariki and rangatahi across Aotearoa. With exciting activities, auctions, and energetic games led by our Kiwi Can Leaders, it was a night to remember!

Volunteer Day

A community-focused day where our valued partners come together to contribute their time and efforts towards environmental restoration. In 2024, we hosted two Volunteer Days at the Te Hōnonga a Iwi – Restoring Rosedale Park restoration site. Volunteers built fences to protect native species, created vertical community gardens, and cleared invasive plants, making a tangible difference. Across both events, over 130 volunteers rolled up their sleeves to give back, reinforcing our commitment to both the environment and the future of tamariki and rangatahi.

Excellence Awards 2023

On Thursday 2nd of November, we celebrated more than 27,000 students and others across the country who have been involved in the Foundation’s various youth development programmes including Kiwi Can, Stars, Career Navigator and Project K over the previous 12 months.

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Excellence Awards 2022

After the past two years, we were excited to have an in-person National Excellence Awards at the Cordis Hotel celebrating the achievements and mahi of our rangatahi, mentors, volunteers and leaders over the past year.

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Excellence Awards 2021

The Graeme Dingle Foundation Excellence Awards 2021 were held a little differently this year by live streaming our awards across the country. Despite another year with challenges, the show must go on!

Excellence Awards 2020

The Graeme Dingle Foundation Excellence Awards 2020 were held at The Vic Theatre in Devonport Wednesday 16 October 2020. Despite a global pandemic and a year fraught with challenges this was one show that had to go on....