The New Zealand Beer Awards – Aotearoa’s most prestigious brewing competition – has opened entries for its 2025 instalment, bringing with it a significant new development for the trade across the Tasman: the introduction of the Champion Australian Brewery trophy.
Now in its 19th year, the event continues to grow in stature and scope, attracting more than 700 entries from over 70 breweries in 2024. This year, the Brewers Guild of New Zealand is extending an even warmer welcome to Australian breweries with a dedicated category designed to elevate and recognise their craft on New Zealand soil.
“We are really looking forward to this year’s competition and to celebrating quality beer,” Brewers Guild Executive Director Melanie Kees told Beer & Brewer. “We’re also excited to introduce a new trophy – Champion Australian Brewery – welcoming breweries from across the Tasman to the competition.”
A strategic move in a shifting awards landscape
The launch of the Champion Australian Brewery award is as much about regional collaboration as it is about recognising brewing excellence. With no Indies competition scheduled for 2025, the Guild saw an opportunity to provide Australian brewers with a respected and accessible platform.
“We have a fantastic relationship with the team at the AIBAs, we encourage our breweries to enter and we want to offer the same to Australian breweries,” Kees explained. “Kiwi breweries have had some great successes at the AIBAs and we want to celebrate Australian breweries with this new Champion trophy. Also, with no Indies competition this year, we wanted to give Australian breweries another opportunity close to home to showcase their brews.”
The NZ Beer Awards aren’t just about hardware – they’re about elevating the craft through a credible, industry-forward platform. The judging process, which takes place in July at Christchurch’s Riccarton Park, involves nearly 60 volunteers including judges, trainee judges, and stewards.
“We take great pride in the integrity of our awards,” Kees said. “We welcome judges from across Australia and New Zealand, and thanks to our Head Judge Tina Panoutsos we ensure that our judging pool is a good mix of international experience, seasoned judges, and trainee judges who are coming through the ranks.”
Categories span classic and emerging beer styles, as well as business size-based trophies, ensuring fair competition and meaningful recognition for breweries of all scales.
A strong value proposition for Aussie brewers
For Australian breweries, entering the NZ Beer Awards in 2025 is a practical and strategic decision, offering both exposure and efficiency.
“The NZ Beer Awards offer a timely and relevant alternative for Australian breweries seeking recognition. It’s a chance to stay front-of-mind in the industry and keep building momentum in promoting their brands,” Kees told Beer & Brewer. “And why not? Any opportunity to shine across the ditch is a good opportunity! Shipping costs globally are pretty expensive, so this is an opportunity to enter a competition that isn’t too far from home.”
The Gala Dinner, where winners will be announced on 2 August, also falls during New Zealand’s ski season, giving brewers the perfect excuse to blend business with a bit of winter tourism.
“You can enter the awards, tie in a holiday and explore some of the New Zealand Ale Trail all under the guise of a work trip!” Kees added.
Beyond the beer
In addition to beer style and brewery performance, the awards shine a spotlight on broader industry contributions. Trophies are also awarded for packaging, sustainability, and beer tourism, alongside recognition for innovation and career contribution through honours like the Morton Coutts Award and industry Honours.
“The New Zealand Beer Awards celebrate various aspects of the industry,” said Kees, “including Beer Tourism, Sustainability in the industry and the hotly contested packaging award.”
For Australian brewers looking to gain trans-Tasman recognition, this year’s competition presents a uniquely timed and well-respected opportunity to showcase their best.
Entries are open now and close Friday, 27 June 2025. Full entry criteria, award categories, and event details are available here.
