Keith Smith Memorial Award winner Warwick Downing (centre with award) and his supporters from RAM3D
The HERA Foundation rewards a wide range of achievements from student awards at our Engineering Schools to industry achievers and those who delivered outstanding service.
The Keith Smith Memorial Award for distinct service to our industry is our pre-eminent award for our industry that celebrates and honours our HERA and HERA Foundation founding Chair, Keith Smith. The 2020 award went to Warwick Downing at HERA’s Future Forum Nation Dinner at the Auckland War Memorial Museum.
He was recognised for his contributions to developing the metal additive-manufacturing industry in NZ. This journey started in 2008 with the importation of the first ever metal 3D printer to NZ.
The introduction of this ‘enabling technology’, has allowed NZ to have a significant presence on the world stage, making us world-class – if not world-leading in this space. With possibly more metal additive manufacturing machines per capita than any other nation, NZ can be enormously proud of what Warwick has achieved.
And if you want to see who has received this prestigious award in the past go to here.
The award is open to every member of the NZ metals industry (irrespective of whether a HERA member). Because this award inherently rewards renowned and outstanding service, we recognise it’s not always possible to find a suitable candidate. Which is why its only presented when its selection criteria are met.
The winner receives a free industry dinner registration for themselves and their partner, and reimbursement of associated travel costs and accommodation for the night of the Nation dinner (to an agreed level). They also are awarded a monetary prize from the Keith Smith bequest and commemorative plaque.
If you have someone in mind you think deserves to win our top award, download the nomination form, fill it in and submit it to HERA to be considered in the next award round.