This running of Innovation Awards has undoubtedly captured the most challenging yet transformative period of the Kiwi channel.

To display of such inspiring examples of innovation balanced with stoic levels of resilience is testament to the strength of the ecosystem in New Zealand.

We are proud to provide a platform upon which market-leading partners, vendors, distributors and individuals can be recognised -- kudos to such a thriving channel community.

Celebrated during a black-tie event at Cordis that brought together more than 500 members of the Kiwi channel community, this running of Innovation Awards celebrated the accomplishments of 34 winners and one new inductee into the Reseller News Hall of Fame – Vanessa Sorenson.

Winners were selected and honoured from 224 finalists (including 60 individuals) which made the shortlist across partner, start-up, telco, vendor and distributor businesses.

This marks a significant expansion in reach, support and market appeal, outpacing a best effort of over 190 finalists in 2021 to position the Innovation Awards program in 2022 as the leading forum for setting the industry benchmark for ecosystem excellence across New Zealand.

Reflective of a diverse technology network, finalists ranged from large-scale multinational consultancy firms to emerging start-ups, alongside leading system integrators, managed service providers and solution consultants, plus cloud specialists, independent software vendors, boutique agencies and application developers.

This was in addition to channel-centric vendors, telecommunications providers and supply chain experts.

Within this standout group, finalists were located across the entire country -- from North Island to South Island -- including Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Hamilton, Tauranga and Palmerston North.

Congratulations to all winners, highly commended and finalists, and thank you to the judging panel, which comprises many of the industry’s leading influencers.