Museums Aotearoa congratulate finalists and winners of this years' DINZ Best Design Awards.

This year four MA partners and one MA member were recognised for their innovation and excellence in design.

MOTAT (MA Member)

Te Puawānanga Science and Technology Centre awards:

• Gold: SPATIAL category - Colour Award
• Gold: DIGITAL category - Installation and Exhibition Award
• Silver: SPATIAL category - Exhibitions and Temporary Structures
• Silver: DIGITAL category - Installation and Exhibition Award for Te Kōtiu

Judge's comments:

Eye-catching, fun, and colourful, a beautiful use of soft & warm hues combined with a clever use of materials for the different environments within the building. The depth of colour is extensive and leaves you wondering what’s around the next corner…. Inspiring.

Locales (MA Partner)

Winners of TOITANGA category for He Ara Kotahi, Hei Ara Kōrero

Judge's comments:

A truly exemplary piece of digital storytelling, showcasing innovation and deep cultural respect in equal measure. The use of augmented reality and 3D modeling elevates the user experience, allowing visitors and locals to step back in time and witness the region's history come alive. The judges were particularly impressed by the way the project successfully balances academic rigor with wide accessibility, ensuring that both casual users and those seeking in-depth knowledge—such as schools and hapū—can engage meaningfully with the content.

Perhaps most impressive is the establishment of the Ngā Tapuwae Kōrero o Rangitāne o Manawatū IP Trust, which provides an enduring legacy of protection for the taonga tuku iho shared in this project.

He Ara Kotahi, Hei Ara Kōrero sets a new standard for how storytelling, technology, and cultural preservation can intersect, offering an enriching, educational, and highly respectful engagement with Te Ao Māori.

Mdigital (MA Partner)

Contributor on Winning Projects

Gold: He Ara Kotahi, Hei Ara Kōrero (Toitanga Category)

Gold: Motion Sickness (Small Scale Website Category)

Silver: Waiaroha - Heretaunga Water Discovery Centre (Spatial Category)

Stitchbird (MA Partner)

Silver at the Spatial Category for Waiaroha - Heretaunga Water Discovery Centre

Judge's comments:

This is a wonderful facility which elevates and celebrates the role of water infrastructure in our communities. The weaving together of landscape, kaupapa Māori, water and architecture has formed a sophisticated, layered experience that exceeds the stated design objectives.

Gibson International (MA Partner)

Finalist in the Toitanga Category for Te Wharekura: he mana tō, he mauri tū

View all the award winners here