Supreme Winner – Business of the Year
Excellence in Business – Large
This award recognises the large business (16+ full time equivalent employees) that best positions itself against competitors and other businesses to achieve outstanding results and maintain a culture of excellence.
Excellence in Business - Medium
This award recognises Excellence in Medium Business (6-15 full time equivalent employees) that best positions itself against competitors and other businesses to achieve outstanding results and maintain a culture of excellence.
Excellence in Business - Small
This award recognises Excellence in Small Business (1-5 time equivalent employees) that best positions itself against competitors and other businesses to achieve outstanding results and maintain a culture of excellence.
Excellence in Business – New / Emerging Business
This award recognises the New / Emerging Business (Less than 2 Years Trading) that best positions itself against competitors and other businesses to achieve outstanding results and maintain a culture of excellence.
Digital Strategy and E-Commerce
This is a special Judges Award and all Excellence Categories are eligible for this award. This Award recognises the utilisation and implementation of digital technology through the use of digital tools, and the internet enhancing business performance and customer experience.
Innovation and Technology
This Award is for Businesses that showcase innovation or technology within their organisation. The implementation of innovation and knowledge to enhance their business excellence and organisational performance by using new ideas, systems, procedures, or technology that have increased efficiency and/or resulted in the introduction of improved services, products, or business sustainability.
Waste Minimisation - Environmental
This is a special Judges Award and all Excellence Categories are eligible for this award. This Award recognises sustainability as an integral part of business management. It will be awarded to the business that best demonstrates an understanding of environmental impact and provides evidence of commitment to environmental and social strategies. It also honours a culture of excellence, and recognises the contribution made by an entrant to it's industry or community.
Community Contribution
This is a special Judges Award and all Excellence Categories are eligible for this award. This Award is for the company that best demonstrate how their organisation, including staff, are proactively involved in and support their local community.
Tourism and/or Hospitality
This Award acknowledges organisations that contribute to tourism in Waipa, activities could include; accommodation, activities, events, support industries or similar. Showcasing how they have developed their brand, and how you reach your customers through your marketing initiatives.
People and Culture
This Award is for the company that best demonstrate how their organisation is leading with a people-first approach, fostering cultures that drive positive outcomes within and outside of their organisation.
Marketing and Communications
This Award acknowledges an organisation that best showcases a strong business approach to marketing in a comprehensive, innovative, and results-driven way.
International Business
This Award acknowledges the organisation that best demonstrates a strategic approach, resilience, and innovation in their businesses proving them to be successful in the international marketplace
Leader of the Year
This award will be granted to an individual who demonstrates exceptional leadership qualities contributing to success in business and the community. These qualities include personal commitment, vision, teamwork, innovation, entrepreneurship, financial performance, relationship building, upholding values and effective management practises.
Employee of the Year – Waipa
Finalists will be selected for Employee of the Year across the Waipa - This is awarded to the nominee that best demonstrates and provide a positive contribution to their organisation.
Customer Choice – Cambridge and Te Awamutu
Nominated and voted for entirely by public vote (via text messaging) as to which business customers believe is exceptional.
Judges Award
This special Judges Award recognises the highly commended effort across the Excellence in Business Categories.
2025 Venue Partner
2025 Production Partner
2025 Accounting Partner
