With only a month to go until the prestigious NIGELS Awards are presented at the 14th Annual PASA Premier ConfeX in Melbourne, we’re thrilled to announce this year’s finalists.
Meet the teams in the running for a coveted NIGEL!
The Most Improved Procurement Team 2026
This award recognises the team that has undergone the most significant positive transformation over the last 12-18 months. It isn’t about being the “biggest” or “best” in the industry; it’s about the distance travelled. Whether it’s moving from a purely tactical function to a strategic partner or rebuilding a team from the ground up, we want to celebrate growth!
The finalists are:
- Melbourne Airport
- Bucher Municipal Australia
- The New Zealand Automobile Association
Internal Influencer Award
We know that the hardest part of procurement isn’t the contract – it’s the people. This category celebrates the “diplomats” of procurement. It’s open to teams or individuals who have successfully broken down silos, changed internal mindsets, and turned reluctant stakeholders into active procurement champions.
The finalists are:
- South Metropolitan Health Services
- Powerlink Queensland
- The New Zealand Automobile Association
The Social Value and Local Impact Award
ESG can often feel like a reporting exercise for large corporations. This award is different. It recognises procurement’s power to do real-world good. We are looking for projects that delivered tangible benefits to the community – whether through supporting local SMEs, engaging Indigenous-owned businesses or creating employment opportunities for marginalised groups.
The finalists are:
- Scope Aust Ltd
- Yarra Journey Makers
- CPB Contractors
Finalists will present their case studies live at Australasia’s leading procurement conference, before audience members cast their votes to decide who takes home a trophy.
Want to have your say?
There’s still time to secure your ticket to ConfeX, but be quick! The event will take place at The Crown Promenade in Melbourne on 14-15 October.
What are the NIGELS?
Formerly known as the PASA Procurement in Practice Excellence Awards, the NIGELS were renamed in memory of PASA founder Nigel Wardropper.
They are Australasia’s peer-reviewed awards celebrating excellence and best practice in procurement.
Congratulations to all our finalists, and a sincere thank you to everyone who entered.
The calibre of entries was exceptionally high this year, reflecting the outstanding work happening across the evolving procurement profession in the ANZ region.
We look forward to seeing the finalists present their case studies at ConfeX!
