New Zealand Food Awards Gala Dinner 2025
Celebrate Aotearoa New Zealand’s best in food & beverage — recognition, connection, and a night to remember.
Date and time
Location
Central Energy Trust Arena
61 Pascal Street Palmerston North, Manawatu 4410 New ZealandGood to know
Highlights
- 4 hours, 30 minutes
- In person
Refund Policy
About this event
Gala Dinner - A national celebration of food innovation
Why attend
- Finalist & winner announcements live on stage
- Hosted networking and a premium seated dinner
- Meet category sponsors and decision-makers across the value chain
- Best value for teams: secure a table of 10
Event details
- When: Thu 16 Oct 2025, 6:30pm–11:00pm (doors from 6:00pm)
- Where: Central Energy Trust Arena, Palmerston North
- Dress code: Black tie / formal
- Dietaries: Add at checkout
Make it a two-day experience (Friday add-on)
Keep the conversations going on Fri 17 Oct with our Networking Breakfast & Innovation Tours hosted at Massey University and partner sites. Breakfast at The Refectory from 8:45am, networking 9:00–10:00am, coaches 10:00am, back ~12:00pm.
Choose one of four confirmed tours (limited seats):
- Food science, product innovation & consumer insight — FoodPilot, Nutrition Lab, HNRU, Feast Lab (PPE provided)
- Whenua Haumanu: Regenerative agriculture research — on-farm sustainability and emissions science
- Te Utanganui logistics & distribution hub — strictly 20 seats
- Fonterra & Plant & Food Research — world-class dairy & plant science R&D
Ticket prices (excl. GST + booking service fee):
- Gala — Individual: $220
- Gala — Table of 10: $2,150
- Full Event Package — Individual (Gala + Friday): $250
- Full Event Package — Table of 10 (Gala + Friday): $2,400
Further details
When purchasing tickets, you will be given the opportunity to make seating requests and confirm dietary requirements.
- Seating: Book a table of 10 to guarantee group seating.
- Accessibility: The venue is accessible; share any specific needs at checkout.
- Contact: nzfoodawards@massey.ac.nz
Tickets on sale 8.00am, Tuesday 12 August - 5pm, Monday 6 October
Preferred accommodation provider: the Quest - special rate of $260 for NZ Food Awards guests. Please contact them directly, either via phone (06 357 7676) or email (reservations@questpalmerstonnorth.co.nz) and specify that you are travelling to Palmerston North for the NZ Food Awards.
Organiser of New Zealand Food Awards Gala Dinner 2025. The ultimate celebration of innovation and excellence in New Zealand food and beverage.
For more than 30 years the New Zealand Food Awards has given food and beverage producers of our small nation the opportunity to showcase just how inspiring they can be. With themes of innovation, sustainability and excellence, and strong ties to Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University, the NZ Food Awards Quality Mark remains the pinnacle of excellence in Aotearoa New Zealand’s food and beverage industry.
Frequently asked questions
Thursday 16 October 2025, 6:30pm–11:00pm (doors from 6:00pm) at Central Energy Trust Arena, Palmerston North. More info:https://www.foodawards.co.nz/galadinner
Black tie / formal.
Add requirements at checkout (e.g., vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal). We’ll confirm with the caterer.
Yes — tables of 10 guarantee group seating. For smaller parties, we’ll seat you with industry peers where possible.
We’ll endeavour to accommodate seating requests but can’t guarantee specific placements.
On-site/nearby parking is available at the Arena. Taxis and rideshare operate in Palmerston North.
This is an adult industry event. Alcohol will be served; R18 ID may be required at bars.
Official photography and filming will occur. By attending, you consent to reasonable use in event coverage. If you’d prefer not to be photographed, let the photographer or organiser know on the night.
Food & beverage brands, producers, retailers, exporters, suppliers, R&D/innovation, operations/logistics leaders, investors, media and partners.
Breakfast at The Refectory (Massey University) — coffee from 8:45am, networking 9:00–10:00am. Coaches depart 10:00am and return ~12:00pm. Details & booking: /networking-tours
Choose one of four confirmed tours (limited seats): • Food science, product innovation & consumer insight (FoodPilot, Nutrition Lab, HNRU, Feast Lab) • Whenua Haumanu — Regenerative agriculture (on-farm research) • Te Utanganui logistics & distribution hub (20 seats only)
Select your preferred tour when purchasing Friday tickets (subject to availability). Tour capacities are limited and may sell out.
Closed-toe footwear is required. Some tours involve walking or outdoor environments — bring a jacket and be prepared for weather. PPE is supplied where required.
Friday tickets are designed as Breakfast + one Innovation Tour. If you need a special arrangement, please contact us before booking.
Please use the provided coaches so the programme stays on schedule and host site protocols are followed.
Some sites restrict photography. Please follow host guidance on the day.
No — where PPE is needed, it’s provided by the host.
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