The Distinguished Geographer Award recognises outstanding and sustained contributions and service to Geography by Geographers, from or who have close association with, the Aotearoa / New Zealand geographical community.

The contribution and service to geography might take a number of forms including activities such as the following:

• scholarship of importance to the national viability of Geography in schools or universities or other tertiary organisations
• scholarship of high international standing / significance
• scholarship of high national standing / significance
• community-oriented services that have promoted the use of geographical knowledge and skills
• policy contributions in local, national or international movement that add to the scientific or practical application of geographical skills and expertise
• sustained contributions to the New Zealand Geographical Society
• sustained contribution to the International Geographical Union and its activities
• business contributions that profile the contribution of Geography and geographers (eg web or textbook resources for schools in New Zealand or elsewhere, consultancy work or ownership specialising in services or products that highlight a geographical contribution)
• professional activities that as part of employment profile the contribution of geography and geographers (eg primary, intermediate or high school teaching, work as planners in territorial local authorities)
• any other activity that demonstrates or adds to or creates value from engagement in geographic endeavour in or about Aotearoa/New Zealand

The award consists of a medal and citation presented at the Society’s Annual General Meeting.

Announcement of Distinguished New Zealand Geographer awards are made at the Society’s AGM, in New Zealand Geographer, the Society’s Newsletter, New Zealand Royal Society Alert, and through a Press Release.

The recipient may use the designation DNZG in recognition of the award.