Holiday Parks New Zealand (HPNZ) is delighted to announce the winners of the Holiday Park New Zealand Awards 2026, recognising excellence across the country.
The awards were announced at the HPNZ Awards Dinner in Hamilton on Thursday 30 July, closing out the Holiday Parks NZ Conference & Expo 2026 (28–30 July).
“Holiday parks are a quintessential part of making memories that last a lifetime, for Kiwis and visitors alike,” says Emily Byrne, Holiday Parks New Zealand Chief Executive.
“The awards are an opportunity to recognise the dedication of the individuals and teams that keep our holiday parks not only humming, but continuously evolving and innovating, resulting in a positive impact to our local communities and carving out quality holiday experiences. A huge congratulations to all our finalists and winners.”
Cormac O’Keeffe, from Ahipara TOP 10 Holiday Park, was the recipient of the Park Star Award, sponsored by Tasman Holiday Parks. Having moved between two very different parks and backgrounds, judges praised how quickly he had taken to the industry, with one noting he “has had to learn a lot in the short period and we’re impressed at how he has taken to it.”
The Industry Champion (Tonnie Spijkerbosch Memorial) Award, sponsored by Storable | Newbook, was awarded jointly to Jeanette Levien and Steve Edwards. They were recognised as passionate advocates, innovators, and investors in NZ’s holiday park industry.
David Aflallo received the 2026 Holiday Park Industry Outstanding Service Award, recognising his significant contribution to – and impact on – the industry. David has been in the holiday parks sector since 2006, alongside involvement in the wider tourism industry. His contribution to Holiday Parks NZ runs deep, having served five years as Board President, championing the interests of parks the length and breadth of the motu.
The Sustainable Commitment Award, sponsored by Tourism Industry Aotearoa, and the Community Engagement Award, sponsored by Big Save Commercial, were both won by Tāhuna Beach Holiday Park – which also took out the Large Park Improvement Award for its Accessible Gardens project. Judges called the park’s sustainability programme “really outstanding, embedded in who they are,” with strong data behind five years of deliberate investment. Their community entry was also described as “a standout entry, with purpose and confidence, with a clear commitment to their community over decades.”
Investment in infrastructure and park development was recognised across small, medium and large park categories in the Park Improvement, Park Development and Park of the Year Awards, with wins going to Opal Hot Springs & Holiday Park, Bay of Islands Holiday Park, Havelock North Holiday Park, Tasman Holiday Parks – Miranda, Christchurch Spencer Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park, Ohakune TOP 10 Holiday Park, Athenree Hot Springs and Holiday Park, and Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve.
This year HPNZ introduced a nominated Trade Member of the Year category, recognising the trade partners who support the parks, with LinkWorks being named the inaugural winners of this category. Member parks praised the team’s dedication, with one of the nominations noting, “nothing is too hard or much for this company – weekdays, weekends, or even nights.”
Athenree Hot Springs and Holiday Park, this year’s Medium Park of the Year, also went on to be named the 2026 Holiday Park Supreme Industry Award winner. It was Athenree’s manaakitanga that stood out for the judges, who noted “Holiday parks are founded in connection with others, and this park goes beyond that.”
The park was praised for its strong community contribution, continuous improvement environmental programme, and being the largest local employer in its area.
