Source: Aged Care Association
From an 85% reduction in pressure injuries to resident-led sustainability projects and technology giving people with dementia greater freedom, the finalists in the 2026 ACA | EBOS Excellence in Care Awards show aged care at its best.
Fifteen finalists from across New Zealand have been selected across seven categories, recognising exceptional care, leadership, innovation, design, sustainability and service.
Aged Care Association Chief Executive Hon Tracey Martin says the finalists challenge outdated perceptions of aged care and provide a window into the quality of work happening in care homes across New Zealand.
“We spend a lot of time talking publicly about the very real pressures facing aged care, from workforce shortages and funding to the need for thousands more beds. These awards give us an opportunity to also talk about what is happening inside our care homes every day. Aged care is health care. It is also about supporting older people to retain their independence, dignity, identity and connection to the people and communities around them.”
“An 85% reduction in pressure injuries is an extraordinary clinical result. Giving someone living with dementia greater freedom while keeping them safe can fundamentally change their quality of life. Creating opportunities for residents to lead projects and continue contributing to their communities recognises that moving into aged care does not mean you stop having something to contribute. That is what these finalists represent. They have identified something that could be better for older people and found a way to make it happen.”
Across the seven categories, the finalists range from frontline clinical initiatives and new models of dementia care to sustainable food projects, purpose-built care environments, and individuals whose work has improved care both within their facilities and across the wider health system.
Tom Webster, presenter of Grand Designs New Zealand and a judge for the Aged Care Association Excellence in Design Award, says the entries showed that meaningful innovation does not always require large budgets or complex solutions.
“What stood out was the strong focus on residents. The best entries began with the measures that would improve people’s daily lives. Turning that understanding into really practical and impressive results.”
Dame Annette King, former Deputy Leader of the New Zealand Labour Party, was among the judges assessing entries for the Careerforce Legendary Service to the Aged Care Sector Award. She says the finalists demonstrate the depth of expertise within aged care and the potential for good ideas to benefit the wider sector.
“Behind every entry are people who have seen an opportunity to do something better and followed it through. Their leadership, persistence and willingness to share what works means the impact of these ideas can reach well beyond an individual care home.”
Joining Dame Annette on the judging panel was Tom Symondson, Chief Executive Officer of Ageing Australia. He says the awards are an opportunity to recognise those who have dedicated themselves to improving the lives of older people.
“Across Australia and New Zealand we see extraordinary people working in aged care every day. It is a privilege to help recognise those whose leadership, compassion and commitment are making a lasting difference to the lives of older people.”
Category winners and the recipient of the EBOS Healthcare Overall Excellence in Care Award will be announced at the Aged Care Association Conference Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony at Tākina in Wellington on Thursday 29 October.
The 2026 finalists:
Gilmours Excellence in Food Award for Care Homes and Hospitals
- Keith Park Retirement Village, Auckland
- St Andrew’s Village, Auckland
- Ranfurly Residential Care, Feilding
Lifecare Property Small Operator Industry Award
- The Beachfront Home and Hospital, Stanmore Bay, Whangaparāoa
- Harbour View Rest Home, Oamaru
Hercules Health Innovative Delivery Award
- Te Wiremu House Lifecare & Village, Gisborne
- The CARE Village, Rotorua
Eversource Sustainability Award
- Ranfurly Residential Care, Feilding
- Glenbrae Rest Home and Hospital, Rotorua
ACA Excellence in Design Award
- Tamahere Country Club Care Centre, Hamilton
- Ashbury Heights Care Centre, Whangārei
Careerforce Legendary Service to the Aged Care Sector Award
- Susan Watson, O’Conor Home, Westport
- Sandy Turnwald, Bupa Aged Care New Zealand
Leecare Individual Award for Outstanding Solutions
- Elyana Pestano, Queen Rose Retirement Village, Dunedin
- Navjot Kaur, Hodgson House Lifecare & Village, Tauranga