The premier stage for women in NZ driving innovation in IT
The Reseller News Women in ICT Awards (WIICTA) is New Zealand’s leading programme celebrating female excellence across the technology channel. Launched by Reseller News in 2016, the awards recognise women who are driving innovation, leadership and impact across the ICT industry.
Open to New Zealand–based professionals at every career stage, WIICTA honours outstanding achievement across nine categories – spotlighting role models who are shaping a more diverse, inclusive and forward-looking technology sector.
Awards Categories for 2026
INNOVATION
This award recognises a creative-thinking candidate who is a standout in bringing innovation to life through a big picture and out-of-the-box approach to business. This individual converts ideas into viable and profitable solutions through unique thought processes, designed to continually push the envelope.
TECHNICAL
This award recognises a problem-solving candidate showing advanced technical and engineering expertise, exhibiting deep knowledge of products, solutions and services. This individual provides exceptional business value through specialised skills, training and competence, spanning technical, pre-sales and support roles.
ENTREPRENEUR
This award recognises an enterprising candidate with a risk-taking mentality, exhibiting excellence in launching new ventures, products or services. This individual has a proven background in building successful innovation, evident through converting market-leading ideas into outstanding business offerings.
GRADUATE
This award recognises a standout graduate candidate who has commenced a career within the tech industry, through a graduate program (between 2021-2025). This individual has made an immediate and positive impact on the business through providing a fresh perspective and high levels of professionalism.
RISING STAR
Open to females with 10 years or less experience in ICT. This award recognises a standout candidate rising through the ranks, acknowledging significant advancement during the early stages of her career. This individual is growing in stature and importance, demonstrating outstanding business acumen, deep market expertise and high levels of professional integrity.
SHINING STAR
Open to females with 11-20 years’ experience in ICT. This award recognises an established candidate with a strong record of achievement, acknowledging excellence in spearheading company initiatives and driving strategic growth. This individual is a consistent high performer, regularly achieving standout business results and increased levels of seniority within the organisation.
ACHIEVEMENT
Open to females with 21 years or more experience in ICT. This award recognises a standout candidate who has delivered unrivalled business contribution, evident through outstanding professional achievements. This individual has earned a reputation as an esteemed thought leader resulting from her distinguished career as both a business leader and role model.
CULTURE AND EQUITY CHAMPION
This award recognises an influential individual who actively drives culture and equity initiatives through mentoring and thought leadership across the tech industry. This candidate is a role model to aspiring executives, cultivating diverse teams to drive change and culture, both internally and externally.
COMMUNITY IMPACT
Recognises individuals who have made a significant and positive impact on their community through initiatives that champion inclusion, cultural respect, and social equity. This may include advocacy for underrepresented groups in the industry – such as Māori and Pasifika, neurodiverse communities, or those focused on wellbeing- through initiatives or programs that create meaningful and lasting change.