The National Graphic Design Awards were established in the mid seventies to celebrate New Zealand’s best graphic design. Attracting 300 entries, the awards exhibited 130 works as part of a touring exhibition and lecture series.

In 1988 the name was changed to the New Zealand Best Design Awards and enabled a growing community to benefit from the experience of a jury of international peers.

In 1992 the awards were expanded to include Spatial and Product design.By 1998 the Best Design Awards became a annual awards programme.

In 2010, Interactive was established as a distinct discipline. The Ngā Aho Award and Best Effect Award were added in 2012 and Public Good along with Moving Image in 2015.

In 2017 the User Experience Award was introduced.

By 2020 Interactive became Digital and User Expereince was merged into digital.

Brought to you by The Designers Institute of New Zealand, The Best Design Awards is an annual showcase of excellence in Brands & Communication, Design Concept, product, Product Design.

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