The Francis Small Engineering New Zealand Foundation Award is presented annually to a recipient who has demonstrated the spirit of service to the engineering profession through their volunteer contributions. The $10,000 award is used to further the recipient's education or may be an onward donation to an organisation that supports engineering in Aotearoa.
2026 Francis Small Award Winner – Daniel Moroder
Daniel Moroder is recognised with the 2026 Francis Small Award for his exceptional voluntary contribution to the engineering profession, particularly in advancing timber engineering in Aotearoa New Zealand.
An internationally trained structural engineer, Daniel has built a distinguished professional career while consistently giving time, expertise and leadership back to others. Engineering New Zealand Foundation Trustees were particularly impressed by the depth and consistency of his service, complemented by referees’ praise for his generosity, integrity and impact.
As President and now Immediate Past President of the New Zealand Timber Design Society (NZTDS), Daniel has strengthened governance, expanded professional development opportunities and fostered collaboration across industry, academia and regulatory bodies. He has played a pivotal role in national standards development, co-edited the TDS Journal for nearly a decade, mentored emerging engineers and supported postgraduate research.
In a year that also sees Daniel recognised as a Fellow of Engineering New Zealand, the award acknowledges his sustained commitment to service, education and collaboration – embodying the spirit of the Francis Small Award.
Past recipients
| Year | Recipient |
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Year
2025 |
Recipient |
Formalising the Francis Small Award
Left to right: Derrick Adams, Sina Cotter Tait, Adrian Van Dyk, Josiah Simmonds, Glen Cornelius, Mike Ferrand, Duncan Small, Jamie Pye, Helen Davidson, Alexandra Hare, Richard Templer.
The Engineering New Zealand Foundation welcomed Duncan Small, on behalf of the Small family, on 19 August 2024 to put pen to paper, signing a memorandum of understanding for the Foundation to administer a yearly award in Francis Small's honour.
The Francis Small Engineering New Zealand Foundation Award will continue his legacy within the engineering profession, awarding $10,000 to one recipient annually who embodies the spirit of service within the engineering community through their volunteer contributions.
Each year's winner is presented with their award at the prestigious Fellows' Dinner.
Donating to the Engineering New Zealand Foundation is a great way to give back to the engineering community in Aotearoa. Your support is incredibly valuable and contributes towards a thriving profession.
