ATA NZ Award Winners

Canvas Awards Motueka: A Big Night at the ATA NZ Awards for Excellence

Every now and then, the team swaps the workshop floor for something a bit fancier. Recently, Emma and Phoenix packed away the tape measures, got dressed up, and headed off to the ATA NZ Awards for Excellence. And we’re thrilled to say that canvas work Motueka made a name for itself on the night, with multiple awards coming home to Tasman Canvas.

What are the ATA NZ Awards for Excellence?

The ATA NZ Awards for Excellence are run by the Advanced Textiles Association New Zealand, the industry body for the people who design and make industrial textiles across the country. That includes shade sails, tents, marine canvas, covers, upholstery and a whole lot more.

The awards celebrate the skill and craftsmanship behind the work. In other words, it’s a night where the industry stops to say “that was done really well.” Entries are judged by peers who know exactly how much effort goes into getting a pattern right, a seam straight, and a finished product that does its job for years.

The awards we brought home

For a small team based in Motueka, seeing our work recognised alongside the best in the country means a lot.

“Most of what we do happens quietly in the workshop. It’s lovely to have a night where that work gets seen.”

Why recognition matters for Tasman Canvas in Motueka

Most of our customers never see the hours behind their dodge, shade sail or custom cover. They see the finished product on their boat, deck or trailer, and that’s exactly how it should be.

However, behind every project there’s pattern making, fitting, cutting, stitching and a lot of problem solving. Awards like these recognise that hidden work. Even more importantly, they give our customers confidence that the canvas work Motueka locals rely on stands up against anything made in New Zealand.

The people behind the work

Awards might have the business name on them, but they belong to the team. Emma, Phoenix and everyone in the workshop put real care into every job, whether it’s a big commercial shade structure or a single replacement cover.

So, a huge thank you to the team for the skill and pride you bring every day. We’re very proud of you.

Frequently asked questions

Who runs the ATA NZ Awards for Excellence?
The awards are run by the Advanced Textiles Association New Zealand (formerly OFPANZ), which represents the industrial textiles industry across the country.

What does Tasman Canvas make?
We design and make custom canvas products, including marine canvas, shade sails, covers, upholstery and more, all from our Motueka workshop.

Do you work with customers outside Motueka?
Yes. While we’re proudly based in Motueka, we work with customers right across Nelson-Tasman and New Zealand.

In the “What are the ATA NZ Awards for Excellence?” section, highlight Advanced Textiles Association New Zealand and link it to the ATA NZ website. I couldn’t confirm their exact web address, so do a quick Google for “ATA NZ” and copy the link from their official site rather than me guessing it. If you’d rather not hunt, linking the same words to the ATA’s Scoop newsroom page works too: Advanced Textiles Association New Zealand