New Zealand Division Awards

Know of someone who deserves recognition in the aviation or aerospace fields? Nominate them today!

Every year, New Zealand Aeronautical Trusts Ltd (NZATL) administers a number of trusts that are used to encourage excellence in New Zealand and Pacific aviation. These awards are made annually by the New Zealand Division of the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) to deserving individuals.

The Awards recognise the achievements, innovation and excellence of both individuals and organisations. The awards are open to the New Zealand and South West Pacific aviation communities, and both young and seniors alike. Some awards are specifically aimed at young people entering the industry to act as encouragement to them as they begin their careers.

The awards honour achievements and contributions in all disciplines of aviation, including but not limited to:

The list of the available awards and their criteria are listed below. NZATL and the RAeS are seeking nominations from our aviation community. So please, consider nominating your deserving staff, significant peers and studious juniors for an award this year!

Please see the Awards Nomination Process for more information on how to nominate someone and/or apply, and a list of past recipients.

Walsh Memorial Scout Flying School Awards

Find out more about the Walsh Memorial Scout Flying School.

Allen Williams Award

This is an award presented to the winner of the Walsh Trophy at the Walsh Memorial Scout Flying School each year and the selection is determined by the Camp Leaders.

Charles Todd Memorial Scholarship

The selection and presentation is made by the Scout Association of New Zealand at the annual Walsh Memorial Scout Flying School.
The Award is administered by NZAT with annual grants from the Todd Foundation.

Philip Le Couteur Award

This award is given in two separate awards at the Walsh Memorial Scout Flying School and at the Air Training Cadet Camp. This award recognises excellence in attitude towards aviation safety, and is awarded to the pupil at each course who, in the eyes of the instructors, displays the best attitude towards flight safety.

Walsh Trophy

This prestigious trophy is presented to the top student at the Walsh Memorial Scout Flying School as determined by the Chief Flying Instructor.

Royal New Zealand Air Force Awards

George Watt Award

This award is made by the Royal New Zealand Air Force to a member of the RNZAF to recognise outstanding technical merit which enhances the efficiency of the RNZAF. It can be given for the invention of improved equipment, improvement in methods, a paper on means of improving technical support or for improved methods leading to advances in technical training.
The Award consists of a silver medal, a certificate and a monetary amount.

Kestrel Trophy

In 2012, the RAeS NZ Division presented the RNZAF with the Kestrel Trophy, to mark the RNZAF 75th anniversary and the close association between the RNZAF and the RAeS. The trophy was first presented in 2013, and is awarded annually to the RNZAF unit adjudged the most excellent.

NZ Aeronautical Trusts Ltd Awards

Click below to learn more about the awards presented by the NZ Aeronautical Trusts Ltd and any associated criteria:

Douglas Patterson Award

This award is to encourage those persons who are making a career in aviation in South Pacific countries. The award is intended to assist the candidate to gain experience in the aviation industry in New Zealand or overseas.

The Award consists of a silver medal, a certificate and a monetary amount.

Duncan Campbell Award

This award comes in two categories:

• Category A: To encourage any person showing potential in the profession of Aviation Journalism. Candidates must be under 28 years of age at the time of the application.
• Category B: To recognise established Aviation Journalists or Writers who have demonstrated their ability and dedication in this specialised area.

The Award consists of a silver medal, a certificate and a monetary amount.

EA Gibson Award

This award recognises the contribution of the first Director of Civil Aviation, Mr E.A. Gibson (Gibby) to the establishment of civil aviation and particularly his support for the establishment of the agricultural aviation sector in New Zealand.
This award is for innovation or another form of excellence within the field of agricultural aviation in New Zealand.

The Award consists of a silver medal, a certificate and a citation.

Geoffrey Roberts Award

This award is open to any young person, a New Zealand citizen, who has the firm intention of following a career in civil aviation in New Zealand. At the time of selection, the candidate could be in training in preparation for taking up such a career or could be gaining experience in civil aviation overseas.

The award consists of a silver medal, a certificate and a monetary amount.

Henry Wigram Award

This award honours the name of the politician who was instrumental in the establishment of military aviation in New Zealand in the early part of the last century.
The award is made for the best paper delivered to a branch of the Society, or at a symposium.

The award consists of a silver medal and a certificate.

Ian J Diamond Award

This is made to a young aviation professional wishing to embark on a course of higher academic study leading to a degree in an aviation related subject and with the firm intention of participating in New Zealand aviation.

The award consists of a special medal, a certificate and a monetary amount.

Michael J Neville / Boeing Airplane Company Award

This award is made to a young person working in aviation in New Zealand who demonstrates excellence in work ethics, values, application and results, and has a firm and appropriate intention for further study or learning.

The Award consists of a special medal, a certificate and a monetary amount.

Meritorious Service Award

The Meritorious Service Award is made by the Council of the Society and recognises long term contributions and practical achievements in all sections of aerospace in New Zealand.

The award consists of a certificate, a citation and a medal.