Excellence in Care Awards 2026
2026 EBOS | ACA Excellence in Care Awards
Recognising Excellence in Aged Care
The Aged Care Association (ACA) works on behalf of its members to achieve an aged care sector where providers are resourced to deliver accessible, quality care for New Zealanders who need it.
Aged residential care providers deliver services to over 40,000 older New Zealanders and their families every year, and we want to make sure examples of excellence in care are recognised and celebrated.
These awards recognise care facilities and individuals that are at the top of their game, making the most of opportunities, implementing innovations and improving services.
The awards are in two categories: the first highlights the great work happening in care facilities and the second acknowledges individuals who are making outstanding contributions to the people they care for and work with.
The winners will be announced at the ACA awards ceremony to be held on 29 October 2026 at Tākina Convention Centre, Wellington
How to Apply
Criteria Booklet
Click below to download the Excellence in Care Awards 2026 Criteria Booklet.
This document provides information on the 2026 ACA | EBOS Excellence in Care Awards, including award categories, eligibility, entry requirements, instructions and full judging criteria.
How to Enter
The 2026 awards entry process has changed from previous years. All award entries must now be submitted through the relevant online awards portal.
How the Process Works
- All entries must be submitted using the designated judging portal.
- Judges will review only the materials provided within the portal at the time of submission.
- Additional documents, attachments, or links sent separately will not be accepted or evaluated.
Awards Portals
- Select the award category below to begin your entry.
- Complete all required fields in the nomination form.
- Upload any supporting documents or evidence relevant to your submission.
- Review your entry to ensure all information is accurate and complete.
- Submit your nomination before the applicable closing date.
Timeline
Applications Open
Applications Close
Judging Begins
Finalists are Contacted
Awards are presented at Conference 2026
Excellence in Care Award Categories
EBOS Healthcare Overall Award
The EBOS Healthcare Overall Excellence in Care Award is the premier award of the ACA | EBOS Excellence in Care Awards programme. It recognises the most outstanding achievement across all award categories, with all individual category winners automatically eligible for consideration. The award celebrates excellence, innovation, and exceptional contributions to the delivery of aged care in New Zealand.
Facility Awards
Gilmours Excellence in Food Award for Care Homes and Hospitals
This award recognises and celebrates outstanding achievement and innovation in food service in aged residential care, showcasing excellence in menu design, food safety, service delivery, resident experience, and continuous improvement. 
Lifecare Property Small Operator Industry Award
This award recognises the outstanding work of smaller operators in the New Zealand aged residential care industry in caring for, supporting and enriching the lives of residents, their families and staff.
Hercules Health Innovative Delivery Award
This award recognises exceptional effort by organisations and care homes to enhance the excellence of the care they deliver to residents. This may be through innovation, creativity or redesign of the delivery of services in order to provide a true continuum of care options for elderly residents.
Sustainability Award
This award celebrates organisations or individuals who have demonstrated exceptional sustainability practices within their facility. The award aims to highlight those who have successfully integrated sustainable principles into their day-to-day operations by way of offering sustainable products and services.
Excellence in Design Award
This award recognises exceptional design, construction or changes to a care facility to create a positive environment for residents and staff. This may include sustainable building practices or creative garden and landscape design, construction of physical care facility buildings or changes to the interior to achieve superior results for elderly residents.
Individual Awards
Careerforce Legendary Service to the Aged Care Sector Award
This award recognises the outstanding contribution of someone who has been part of the aged residential care sector for more than ten years. This person will have continuously made a difference in the lives of numerous residents and staff members.
Leecare Individual Award for Outstanding Solutions
This award recognises the stand-out problem-solver in a care facility. This individual must have been instrumental in implementing solutions to enhance the delivery of quality care.
