Why the ACE Awards judges are the kaitiaki of excellence

The ACE Awards judges are responsible for scrutinising entries, testing evidence and ensuring entries are rigorously assessed across every category.  

“The judges play a really important role in protecting what the ACE Awards stand for,” says Hannah Bryce, ACE New Zealand General Manager of Engagement. “They’re assessing entries against a set of criteria, but they’re also applying professional judgement, challenging assumptions and helping ensure excellence is recognised fairly and consistently.” 

The judging panel has been refreshed alongside the awards themselves, combining experienced ACE Awards judges with new voices from across the membership and beyond the consulting sector. Drawing on client perspectives, commercial expertise and broader business leadership experience, the panel brings a diverse range of insights to the assessment process and a strong understanding of the value engineering consultants create.  

“In many respects, our judges are the kaitiaki of excellence,” Hannah says. “They understand the intent behind the awards and the standards we’re seeking to recognise across the profession.” 

One of the defining strengths of the ACE Awards is the moderation process. The judging panel deliberately brings together leaders from different sectors, disciplines, organisations and backgrounds. This diversity of experience helps ensure entries are viewed through multiple lenses and assessed from a range of perspectives. 

That’s where some of the most valuable conversations happen. 

“Moderation is about professional challenge,” Hannah says. “Judges test assumptions, question interpretations and explore different viewpoints. Constructive disagreement is part of the process, so those discussions help strengthen assessments and build confidence in the final outcomes.” 

The result is a process that is rigorous, independent and carefully considered, helping ensure the awards continue to carry credibility across the profession. 

As we prepare to announce this year’s winners, Hannah says it’s important to acknowledge the expertise and commitment judges contribute each year. 

“Our judges invest a significant amount of time and thought into the process, which we’re so grateful for. Their professionalism, integrity and willingness to engage in robust discussions help ensure the ACE Awards remain one of the highest forms of recognition in New Zealand’s consulting profession.” 

The 2026 ACE Awards judges 

• David Bridges, Convenor of Judges (for firm awards) and Principal, Kaiuru Consulting 

• Aimee Matiu, Pou Tokomanawa – Māori Advisor, Pattle Delamore Partners 

• Alex Burgess, Director, Simple Clarity 

• Amy Patterson-Horner, Design and Delivery Organisation New Zealand Leader, GHD 

• Ben Holland, Chief Financial Officer, WSP 

• Brent Meekan, Business Director, Beca 

• Cameron Chapman, Business Manager – Regional, ElectroNet Group 

• Doug Johnson, Principal Consultant, Tonkin + Taylor 

• Elsamari Botha, Associate Professor, University of Canterbury 

• Eric Whitfield, Area Manager – Wellington, AECOM 

• Esther Croft, Senior Project Manager – Sustainable and Social Outcomes, Height PM 

• Gavin Shaw, Director, Navig8 Construction Advisory 

• Helen Davidson, Chief Executive, ACE New Zealand 

• Ida Dowling, Principal Transport Planner, Commute 

• Jason Shoebridge, Chief Executive Officer, New Zealand Institute of Economic Research 

• Jonny Papa, Buildings and Infrastructure Advisory Leader, Aurecon 

• Jordan Reynolds, Director, Tactical Group 

• Junaid Rupani, Regional Business Partners Auckland Manager, Auckland Business Chamber 

• Matt Bishop, Founder and Principal, Brevity 

• Monique Davidson, Chief Executive Officer, Horowhenua District Council 

• Dr Penny Kneebone, Chief Executive, Tonkin + Taylor New Zealand 

• Ross Buckley, Chair of the Board, New Zealand Institute of Directors 

• Sandra O’Brien-Kelly, Principal Environmental Scientist and Technical Director Environmental Auditing and Sustainability, Tonkin + Taylor 

• Sarah Baxter, Senior Principal Transportation Engineer, Stantec 

• Sarah Lang, Business Director – Government Advisory and Strategic Relationships, Beca 

• Simon Fenton, Associate Director, AECOM 

• Simon Taylor, Regional Director – Buildings, Stantec New Zealand 

• Simonne Eldridge, Executive Advisor and Technical Director – Environmental Engineering, Tonkin + Taylor 

• Sina Cotter Tait, Director, Collective Success 

• Soltice Morrison, Pou Rautaki Māori – Māori Strategy Lead, Aurecon 

• Yuliya Schamrel, People and Culture Lead, Morphum Environmental 

Check out the 2026 ACE Awards finalists 

This year’s ACE Awards finalists are competing across nine categories, including new awards recognising excellence in collaboration, impact, innovation, relationships, sustainability and value, alongside categories designed to celebrate consulting businesses of all sizes. An additional four awards recognise emerging leaders, diversity and inclusion, future-focused thinking, and commitment to Te Ao Māori.