About the NZBA
Held annually, the Brewers Guild of New Zealand Beer Awards are held in esteem worldwide due to the reputation of all involved in judging, organising and staging the event, with a world class selection of judges from New Zealand, Australia, America and beyond. This diversity of background and quality of judge ensures that the Awards have a huge reputation across the globe as one of the most prestigious accolades a brewer can win.
2022 Key Dates
| Expressions of Interest for Judges and Stewards Open | 18 March 2022 |
| Expressions of Interest for Judges and Stewards Close | 8 April 2022 |
| Online Entries Open | 25 May 2022 |
| Online Entries Close | 17 June 2022 |
| Send Entries to GVI Logistics, Christchurch | 27 June - 1 July 2022 |
| Judging - Riccarton Park, Christchurch | 6-8 July 2022 |
| Awards Presentation Evening | 21 July 2022 |
Please note: For Breweries to access the discounted members rate, their 2022-2023 membership must be either paid in full or they have their Stripe DD payments set up prior to the time of entry.
NZBA '22 Mashup Awards - Thursday, 21st July 2022
Following the success of last years regional hubs, and our first ever Virtual Awards Ceremony, we are looking forward to celebrating across New Zealand again this year. The winners of the 2022 New Zealand Beer Awards will be announced from one main hub and beamed out live to regional hubs - we're calling it the '22 Mashup Awards.
This means you'll be able to attend the Awards at either the main hub or one of the regional hubs.
MAIN HUB
We are excited to announce that the host of the main hub will be Emerson's Brewery in Dunedin.
REGIONAL HUBS
Regional hubs will be held in Christchurch, Nelson, Wellington, Auckland and Tauranga. We are looking for host venues in these areas. If you are interested in being a host venue, please read over the Regional Hub Host Venue Proposal and send your Expression into Mel - melanie@brewersguild.org.nz
Tickets to the main hub and the regional hubs will be on sale SOON! Attendance at each venue will be capped depending on the venues requirements. These details will be available when tickets are on sale.
Champion Trophies, Beer Trophies and Industry Awards
Celebrating success and quality in beer. For 2022 we see the addition of the No & Low Alcohol Trophy.
Champion Trophies
Champion New Zealand Exhibitor
Champion New Zealand Beer
Champion Large New Zealand Brewery
Champion Medium New Zealand Brewery
Champion Small New Zealand Brewery
Champion Micro New Zealand Brewery
Champion Manufacturer
Trophy Classes
International Lager
NZ Styles
Amber / Dark Lager
British Ale
European Ale
Amber / Dark Ale
International Pale Ale
IPA
Juicy/Hazy
Stout & Porter
Wheat & Other Grain
Fruit & Flavoured
Specialty & Experimental
No & Low Alcohol
Barrel & Wood-Aged
Industry Awards
The New Zealand Beer Awards celebrates and recognises quality not only in beer but in the broader organisations and individuals that make the New Zealand brewing industry so vibrant.
Sponsorship Opportunities
We have sponsorship opportunities available for those business and corporate partners who want to be a part of the '22 Mashup Awards for the Champion Trophies, Beer Trophies and Industry Awards as well as the regional hubs.
If you're interested in partnering with the NZBA for 2022, please have a read over the Sponsorship Prospectus and get in touch - admin@brewersguild.org.nz
Steward to Judge Program
The program was formally announced in 2019 and aims to support members of industry in development toward becoming a Judge as well as expanding the pool of qualified beer judges in New Zealand. It also provides the opportunity to participate and learn about beer competitions.
Typically, stewards will undertake a minimum of two years as a Steward prior to moving on to the role of Trainee Judge. Trainee Judges will typically undertake a minimum of two years as a Trainee prior to moving on to the role of Judge.
Entry is required at the Steward stage first.
Progression to each stage will be based on (but not limited to) merit and feedback - progression is not guaranteed nor automatic (we always receive more applications than places available. Not every person will be selected every year). You may be asked to provide a written reference from a Brewers Guild senior judge to support your application for progression to the next stage. Other considerations will include whether the individual is directly involved in brewing and whether they have gained experience in stewarding or judging in other jurisdictions, this may change the length of time a participant spends at each stage before they progress.
Brewers Guild Stewards are essential to the integrity of the Awards and are responsible for ensuring the judging process is professional and seamless, with a focus on pouring and delivering exhibits to the judging table.
A Stewards duties typically include:
- Set up of glassware for judging
- Pouring beers for judging
- Tapping kegs
- Stock control
- Removing glassware, washing glasses and keeping judging tables in a clean state
- Ensuring event back of house is in order
- Ensuring their table judges keep to time
Through the role of Steward, participants gain an invaluable insight to the process for managing and judging a large and complex Beer Awards. Stewards are a crucial part of our competition which we are very grateful for.
Please note, you do not have to have an interest in Judging or be a participant in the Steward to Judge Program to Steward at the NZBA.
Selection as a Steward or Judge
We always receive more applications than places available. Not every person will be selected every year (participation in the competition previously does not guarantee your selection for the upcoming or future years competitions).
While being selected as a participant is a privilege – (and we ask that you treat it as such) we are very grateful for everyone involved who gives up their time to volunteer for the competition. We could not run the competition without you! Both Stewarding and Judging are key components to running a successful competition.
The Selection Process for our Judges & Stewards is able to be viewed HERE
