The NZOSA are split into seven categories, with nominations for the awards made by the open source community, including businesses, government agencies, individuals, community groups and more. A panel of judges, known figures within the open source community, consider all nominations and select the finalists for each category. All finalists are invited to attend the awards gala dinner where the winners are announced.

The judges also select a number of nominations, which become the finalists in the People's Choice category.

In 2021, the categories were the following:

Open Source Use in Government

Whakamahi Pūmanawa Herekore i te Kāwanatanga

For the outstanding use of free and open source in the public sector in New Zealand.

Open Source Use in Business

Whakamahi Pūmanawa Herekore i te Pakihi

For the outstanding use of free and open source in the private sector in New Zealand.

Open Source Software Project

Kaupapa Pūmanawa Herekore

Recognises the free and open source software project that has made the biggest positive impact for New Zealanders in the past two years.

Open Source Contributor

Kaikoha Pūmanawa Herekore

Recognises the outstanding contributions by a New Zealand individual or organisation to one or more free and open source projects.

Open Source in Education, Social Services and Youth

Pūmanawa Herekore i te Mātauranga, ngā Ratonga Pāpori me te Rangatahi

For the outstanding use of free and open source in education, social services, charities, youth and community organisations.

Open Source use in Science

Whakamahi Pūmanawa Herekore i te Pūtaiao

Recognises the outstanding use of free and open source software to make scientific research and data accessible to all.

Open Source use in the Arts

Whakamahi Pūmanawa Herekore i Ngā Toi

For the outstanding use of free and open source for creative endeavours and the arts in New Zealand.

Open Source People's Choice Award

Te Kōwhiri a te Iwi

Recognises the individual or organisation that the New Zealand free and open source community at large feels is worthy of public acknowledgement.