The Merit Award is a new award for Model Flying New Zealand (MFNZ) for 2026.

The Merit Award focus heavily on long-term commitment, exceptional local club promotion, and operational support. Unlike traditional performance-focused acknowledgments, this award prioritises individual volunteers who serve as the backbone of the New Zealand aeromodelling community.

The Merit Award fills a critical gap between local club recognition and elite national installations.

Core Nomination Criteria

To be eligible for an MFNZ Merit Nomination, individuals must consistently demonstrate excellence across the following specific pillars:

  • Aeromodelling Support: Provided outstanding and lasting support to the wider hobby.
  • Organizational Support: Offered consistent help to Model Flying New Zealand and its ordinary members or local clubs.
  • Non-Competitive Achievements: Made significant advancements or technical contributions outside of official contests.
  • Competitive Success: Achieved considerable, noteworthy success within formal aeromodelling competitions.
  • Event Execution: Consistently stayed involved in hosting, running, or managing high-quality aeromodelling events.
  • Local Promotion: Sustained high-quality promotion and growth of aeromodelling within their own local club.