Lexus New Zealand is proud to announce the prestigious Lexus Design Award (LDA) is expanding to Wellington’s Victoria University and Massey University, marking the first time students outside Auckland University of Technology (AUT) and University of Auckland (UoA) can compete for this coveted award.

Alongside this expansion, four new Wellington-based industry expert mentors have joined the programme, including Gosia Piatek, founder of New Zealand ethical fashion label Kowtow, and her business director Emma Wallace. Joining them are Megan Wyper and Patrick Kennedy, co-owners of Acme, known for their modern coffee cups that adhere to the design ethos of form and function. These mentors join long-time Lexus New Zealand ambassadors Simon James and Scott Bridgens of Resident, whose expertise in furniture and lighting design has guided the Awards since 2013.

“Design is at the core of Lexus,” says Andrew Davis, Vice President of Lexus New Zealand. “Our brand is built on craftsmanship and forward-thinking technology. Expanding the awards to Wellington, a city synonymous with creativity, is a natural next step in finding New Zealand’s future design leaders.”

Lexus Design Award celebrates emerging design talent, challenging students to respond to a brief, designing a prototype that will Anticipate, Innovate, and Captivate through bold, sustainable solutions that respond to real-world challenges. The brief, updated last year to align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, reflects Lexus’ commitment to sustainability, with over 80% of Lexus vehicles sold in New Zealand now electrified.

The new Wellington-based mentors bring unique local perspectives and expertise. Kowtow founder Gosia Piatek says, “Every mentor brings a different perspective shaped by their own journey in design. At Kowtow, we use the principles of circular and reductive design in every piece we create. We are excited to bring this lens to guide participants to create designs with impact and purpose.”

Acme co-owner Megan Wyper adds, “Being asked to mentor Lexus Design Award entrants is an honour. We’re excited the competition is expanding into Wellington, giving local talent a platform to showcase their skills and bold ideas.”

Long-time Lexus ambassadors and mentors Simon James and Scott Bridgens continue to guide students across both regions. “Each year, the calibre of student work continues to grow and impress us as mentors. It’s rewarding to work with emerging designers as they bring fresh, innovative thinking to real challenges we face in this world,” says Scott.

Over three months, students will respond to a brief and receive hands-on guidance from mentors to develop and prototype their concepts. Mentors will attend the sessions in-person and offer advice and guidance to students along the way. One winner and runner-up from each university will be announced at two showcases held in both Auckland and Wellington this November. First place winners receive $3,000, runners-up $1,000, and all winners will have the opportunity to exhibit their design at Auckland Design Week 2026.

Professor Simon Fraser, Programme Lead Industrial Design at Victoria University of Wellington, welcomes the partnership: “We’re excited to integrate Lexus Design Award into our teaching programme. The combination of a high-profile industry partnership and the associated mentoring programme with design professionals is particularly valuable for our final year students, as they transition from academic studies into their professional careers.”

Associate Professor Sven Mehzoud, Head of Massey University’s College of Creative Arts, says, “The brief’s openness encourages wide creative interpretation and pushes boundaries, making it an exciting opportunity for our students.”

Since 2013, Lexus Design Award has launched many promising design careers. As the competition expands into Wellington, Lexus continues to invest in sustainable, innovative design that shapes a better future for New Zealand.

“The vision was always to see LDA grow in New Zealand, so we’re excited to open this to Wellington and give emerging designers a platform to showcase their work, in front of the leaders in their field,” says Andrew Davis.