The Emerging Leader Award recognises consultants who demonstrate strong leadership potential, a commitment to personal and professional development, and the ability to positively influence people, projects and communities. This award celebrates individuals who lead with integrity, collaborate effectively, and are shaping the future of consulting through their actions today.
With the award winners to be announced at the ACE Awards Gala on 5 November, we asked Penny Kneebone, Chief Executive, Tonkin + Taylor New Zealand and President, ACE New Zealand, why her firm chose to sponsor the Emerging Leader Award.
What motivated Tonkin + Taylor to support the ACE Awards, and why is it important for you to be involved?
“At Tonkin + Taylor, we believe our industry’s greatest strength is its people. Supporting the ACE Awards, and particularly the Emerging Leader Award, is an opportunity to recognise those who are helping shape our profession’s future. The challenges facing Aotearoa are only growing in complexity, and we need capable, values-driven leaders who can bring together technical expertise, collaboration, and a strong sense of purpose. We’re proud to sponsor an award that celebrates that potential and invests in the future of our industry.”
Why do you think the ACE Awards are important for New Zealand’s consulting and engineering industry?
“The ACE Awards shine a light on the contribution our consulting and engineering sector makes to Aotearoa New Zealand. They recognise the expertise, collaboration, and innovation that help deliver lasting value, while creating opportunities for us to learn from one another. Celebrating leadership, excellence, and impact strengthens our sector and raises the bar for what we can achieve together.”
What impact do you hope the ACE Awards have on the people, projects and organisations that are helping shape Aotearoa New Zealand’s future?
“I hope the ACE Awards give people confidence and pride in the value of what they do. Whether it’s a team working with a client to deliver a landmark project, an organisation pushing the boundaries of what’s possible for a community, or an individual doing exceptional work, that recognition is important. By celebrating those making a difference today, we inspire others to help shape a more resilient and prosperous future for Aotearoa New Zealand.”
Emerging Leader Award finalists
This year, the judges saw an impressive field of emerging leaders already making a significant contribution to our sector. Common themes that emerged across the submissions included leaders who are investing in others, building strong relationships, giving back to their communities, and helping create a profession that is more inclusive, resilient and future-focused.
Finalists for the Emerging Leader Award are:
- Christoph Kraus, Beca Limited
- Lupesina Koro, Tektus Consultants Limited
- Joanna Park, Tonkin + Taylor Limited
2026 ACE Awards Gala tickets
A ticket to the ACE Awards Gala is included in any full registration for the Futurespace conference.
Individual tickets are $295 plus GST and tables of ten are $2,950 plus GST.
To get tickets, visit the Futurespace registration page and select ‘ACE Awards Gala’.