The New Zealand Beer Awards, Aotearoa’s most prestigious brewing competition, has officially opened entries for its 2025 edition, marking a significant development for the Australasian beer industry: the introduction of the Champion Australian Brewery trophy.
Now entering its 19th year, the annual competition continues to grow in scale and reputation. In 2024, it attracted more than 700 entries from over 70 breweries. Organised by the Brewers Guild of New Zealand, the 2025 awards will include a dedicated category for Australian breweries—a strategic move aimed at fostering trans-Tasman collaboration and recognising excellence beyond New Zealand’s borders.
“We’re excited to introduce a new trophy – Champion Australian Brewery – welcoming breweries from across the Tasman to the competition,” said Brewers Guild Executive Director Melanie Kees.
The decision arrives at a pivotal moment in the awards landscape, particularly for Australian brewers. With no Australian Independent Beer Awards (Indies) planned for 2025, the Brewers Guild saw an opportunity to provide a credible and convenient alternative.
“We have a fantastic relationship with the team at the AIBAs and encourage our breweries to enter there. But with no Indies this year, we wanted to give Australian breweries another opportunity close to home to showcase their brews,” Kees explained.
The New Zealand Beer Awards have long been valued not just for accolades, but for the platform they provide to elevate brewing standards across the industry. Judging takes place in July at Riccarton Park in Christchurch, where a volunteer cohort of nearly 60—including seasoned judges, trainee judges, and stewards—ensures a robust and transparent evaluation process. Led by Head Judge Tina Panoutsos, the judging panel includes experts from both New Zealand and Australia, with a focus on balancing international experience and emerging talent.
Award categories encompass both classic and emerging beer styles, as well as distinctions based on brewery size, allowing for equitable competition and meaningful recognition at every level.
For Australian brewers, participation in the 2025 competition offers a timely and practical avenue for industry recognition.
“The NZ Beer Awards offer a relevant alternative for Australian breweries seeking exposure. It’s a chance to stay visible and maintain momentum in brand promotion,” Kees said. “Given the high cost of international shipping, this competition provides a geographically convenient option.”
The Gala Dinner, where the winners will be announced on 2 August, coincides with New Zealand’s ski season, providing an added incentive for entrants to combine business with leisure.
Beyond beer style and brewery performance, the awards also recognise broader contributions to the industry. Trophies are presented for excellence in packaging, sustainability, and beer tourism. Prestigious honours such as the Morton Coutts Award and the Brewers Guild Honours acknowledge innovation and significant career achievements.
“The New Zealand Beer Awards celebrate various aspects of the industry,” Kees noted. “From sustainability and packaging to the growing field of beer tourism, we aim to shine a light on the many ways breweries are shaping the future.”
With expanded categories and a growing international profile, the 2025 New Zealand Beer Awards offer a timely platform for Australian brewers to gain recognition and strengthen ties within the wider brewing community.
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