For GHD, winning an ACE Award was a powerful way to recognise the team’s hard work and strengthen its client relationships. With expressions of interest opening next week for the 2026 ACE Awards, we caught up with GHD Business Group Leader Asem Zabin to see what the recognition meant to him and his team.
Why did you enter the ACE Awards?
“We entered the ACE Awards with Tauranga City Council to share a piece of work we were genuinely proud of — one that went beyond traditional consulting and focused on building long‑term capability for our client and the wider sector.”
What did winning an award mean for you and your team? How did it feel?
“Winning the award was an incredibly proud moment for the team and our partners at Tauranga City Council. It was validating to see an approach centred on empowerment, trust and legacy recognised at a national level by our industry peers.”
Have you used the award internally or externally?
“Yes. Internally it’s been a powerful way to recognise the team and reinforce the value of future‑focused, outcome‑driven consulting, and externally it has strengthened conversations with clients about our commitment to their enablement, doing things differently and leaving a lasting impact.”
Would you encourage others to enter the ACE Awards? Why?
“Absolutely. The ACE Awards act as an inspiration to keep challenging the status quo, and act as a great platform to showcase work that demonstrably changes business‑as‑usual and highlights the real value consulting can bring to organisations, communities and the future of Aotearoa.”
2026 ACE Awards open on Tuesday 3 March
Expressions of interest for the 2026 ACE Awards open on Tuesday 3 March. For more information, including the award categories, assessment criteria, submission guidelines and key dates, visit the 2026 ACE Awards page.