STRIVE opens 2027 awards nominations with new New Zealand category
STRIVE Awards nominations open for 2027 with a new New Zealand category - see who won in 2026.
Short-term rental operators, property managers and suppliers have until 31 December to enter the 2027 STRIVE Short-Term Rental Awards, with a dedicated New Zealand property management category joining the program.
The change splits the Best Property Manager award into separate Australian and New Zealand categories, bringing the total to eight. The New Zealand winner will be announced at STRIVE New Zealand in Auckland.
The awards cover guest experience, marketing, property management, supplier services, sustainability and community impact, emerging talent and online travel agents. Individuals and businesses can nominate themselves or put forward others working in the sector.
STRIVE founder Bart Sobies said short-term rentals served a range of needs beyond holidays.
“Short-term rentals are part of that mix. They’re not just places for people to holiday. They’re places for families to reconnect, workers to stay, people to relocate and communities to welcome visitors,” Sobies said.
“The question isn’t whether short-term rentals have a place in society. It’s how we make sure they’re delivering the greatest possible value to the communities around them.”
For operators, the awards provide recognition across several practical aspects of running an accommodation business, from looking after guests and marketing properties to managing owner relationships and working with local communities.
All seven 2026 winners
The 2026 awards recognised the following businesses and individuals:
- Best Guest Experience Award: Property Mums
- Best Marketing Award: Daylesford Country Retreats
- Best Property Manager Award: Hometime
- Best Supplier Award: PriceLabs
- Sustainability & Community Impact Award: Alpine Valley Getaways
- Rising Star Award: Erin Jasch, Belle Property
- Online Travel Agent of the Year Award: Airbnb
How the 2027 awards will work
Nominations opened on 21 October 2026 and close on 31 December 2026. STRIVE will review entries and select a shortlist for each category before public voting runs from 4 to 21 January 2027.
Public voting will determine the top three finalists in each category. Finalists will then be invited to submit a short video presentation outlining their work, achievements and impact.
Final results will be decided through a combination of industry judging and live voting by STRIVE conference attendees, each accounting for 50 per cent.
The eight categories are Best Guest Experience, Best Marketing, Best Property Manager — Australia, Best Property Manager — New Zealand, Best Supplier, Sustainability & Community Impact, Rising Star, and Online Travel Agent of the Year.
The Australian awards ceremony will take place on 11 March 2027 during STRIVE Melbourne. The Best Property Manager — New Zealand winner will be revealed at STRIVE New Zealand.
The awards form part of the wider STRIVE conference programme, which brings together short-term rental operators, property managers, accommodation businesses and technology and service providers. STRIVE Australia is scheduled for 10–11 March 2027 in Melbourne, followed by STRIVE New Zealand on 16–17 March in Auckland.
For award details and nominations, visit the STRIVE Awards website.
For award details and nominations, visit the STRIVE Awards website.
