On the final day of the festival, our judges get together to discuss all the awesome events they saw and battle it out amongst themselves to choose those who will be announced at the New Zealand Fringe Awards on Sunday night following the festival.
But it’s not really about that at all, is it? Awards schmawards.
The best part of NZ Fringe and this final shindig is the chance for us to get together and celebrate all the mahi you’ve been putting in this whole time. You made art! And gosh that’s a cool thing! So, put on your fanciest, funkiest, Fringiest GladRags, and whoop it up with NZ Fringe!
How Do I Get A Judge To See My Show?
If you’ve elected in Eventotron to be eligible for NZ Fringe Awards, we’ll organise a judge for you! Easy, done. No invites necessary. If you would like to opt-out of consideration for these awards, please let us know via participants@fringe.co.nz.
What Awards Are Up For Grabs?
The list of awards on offer changes from year to year however, there are many returning awards. See the list below for the 2026 awards.
Wellington Airport NZ Fringe Awards 2026
- Dunedin Fringe Tour Ready Award – Dunedin Fringe Festival
- Melbourne Fringe Tour Ready Award – Melbourne Fringe Festival and NZ Fringe
- The SYNZ Tour Ready Award – Sydney Fringe Festival and NZ Fringe
- Adelaide Fringe Tour Ready Award – Adelaide Fringe and NZ Fringe
- The International San Diego Fringe Exchange – San Diego Fringe and NZ Fringe
- The Parkin Development Award – Chris and Kathy Parkin and BATS Theatre
- Most Innovative Work – Wellington International Airport
- People’s Choice Picnic Table Design – Resene
- The Grand Design Award – Inject Design
- Outstanding Solo Performance – Tahi Festival of Solo Performance
- Most Promising Emerging Company – The Hannah
- Most Promising Emerging Artist – Creative Capital Arts Trust
- Spirit of the Fringe – Southward Distilling
- Memorable Marketing – Phantom Billstickers
- Most Promising Pasifika Artist – CNZ Pacific Arts Strategy
- Most Promising Emerging Ngā Toi Artist – CNZ Te Ha o Ngā Toi Strategy
- Spectacular Organised Chaos – BATS Theatre
- Momentous Music Award – Orchestra Wellington
- Best Ensemble Award – Private Benefactor
- Best in Fringe – His Worship the Mayor
