Awarded to an instructor who displays great potential for the future, and who demonstrates strong commitment to professional development and qualification acquisition.  The ideal recipient will have at least one NZOIA qualification and be recognised as a talented instructor who stands out from the crowd.

Awarded to an emerging guide who displays great potential, talent and commitment to a guiding career in the tourism sector. The ideal recipient should demonstrate a commitment to professional development and qualification acquisition and will have at least one NZOIA qualification.

• A guide in their first 5 years of employment in the guiding/tourism industry
• Has displayed a commitment to working in the guiding/tourism sector long term
• Current NZOIA qualification holder
• Has two referees
• Outstanding amongst their peers
• Gains consistently good feedback from clients and peers
• Role models a commitment to sustainable environmental practices

Awarded to a NZOIA wahine who is a highly respected leader and role model.  A kaiarataki who inspires wāhine to recreate, work and connect with te taiao.

• Current NZOIA member, not necessarily registered, yet still contributing to the outdoor industry
• Shows a commitment to te ao Māori by demonstrating kaitiakianga, acknowledging tāngatata whenua and including te reo Māori in their practice to the best of their ability
• Shown a holistic approach to instructing and/or guiding e.g. the development of people, inclusion of diversity, care of the environment
• An understanding of the challenge’s minority groups faces when recreating or working in te taiao
• A willingness to manaaki others, including wāhine in their personal development
• A history of inspiring aspirant instructors/guides
• Inclusive leadership and facilitation skills
• A history of professional growth and personal achievements in the outdoor sector including NZOIA 1 or 2 qualification/s

Awarded to a current instructor or guide who personifies 'excellence in outdoor leadership'. A highly respected role model, someone who has contributed significantly to outdoor education in New Zealand through both work with clients and with aspirant instructors/guides.

• Currently active as an instructor/guide
• Well regarded by peers as an inspirational role model, and someone who constantly strives for improvement and excellence
• Outstanding mentoring of aspirant instructors/guides
• A minimum of two referees from different perspectives e.g. employer, peer are required
• Generally holds one or more NZOIA 2 qualifications
• A member for a minimum seven years
• Strong technical, instructional/guiding and educational skills
• Demonstrated high level of achievement in personal outdoor pursuits and a role model in this regard
• Role models a commitment to sustainable environmental practices

Awarded to a member who personifies the very best combination of an excellent instructor/guide, a high achieving personal performer, and an outstanding contributor to the work and promotion of the association.

• Long term contribution to NZOIA for a minimum of 15 years
• Diverse areas of contribution including (but not limited to):
          - Assessment
          - Governance
          - Technical committees
          - Administration / qualifications development
          - Newsletter articles
• Voluntary contribution to the work and promotion of the Association
• Recognised high level of achievement in personal pursuits and a role model in this regard
• Recognised academic, management, leadership, governance, educational, literary, or technical achievements