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Nominations Open for the 2026 Tauranga Business Awards

September 18, 2025

A new free employment-readiness programme to help young people into work is now available in Tauranga.

Tauranga Business Awards are back for 2026, celebrating the best, brightest, and boldest in the Bay of Plenty business community.

This year, the Awards bring a refreshed selection of categories designed to reflect the region’s strengths and spotlight the talent shaping our future. Among the categories are Supply Chain & Logistics, recognising Tauranga’s role as New Zealand’s export gateway, and Women in Leadership, celebrating the impact of female leaders in our business landscape.

Chamber CEO, Matt Cowley, says the new categories are an exciting way to shine a light on key sectors supporting our economic recovery.

“As New Zealand’s export gateway, it’s no surprise that we have tremendous expertise in supply chain and logistics. We’re also thrilled to celebrate the role models with our new Women in Leadership category,” says Cowley.

The Awards also welcome a new partner in 2026, with Deloitte joining Farmer Autovillage as a co-sponsor. Both partners share a commitment to empowering local businesses and recognising the drive, creativity, and leadership that make our region thrive.

Paul Shallard, Partner at Deloitte Tauranga, says “These awards are a celebration of the drive, creativity, and leadership that make Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty such vibrant places to do business. We believe in empowering local enterprises and supporting the growth that fuels our regional economy. We look forward to recognising those who are shaping the future and inspiring others.”

Mike Farmer of Farmer Autovillage adds “we’re proud to support the Business Awards as a co-sponsor and to stand alongside so many incredible businesses and organisations in the Bay.”

Entries are open now — and you don’t need to be a Chamber member to enter. Businesses can self-apply, or anyone can nominate them. The process is simple and designed to highlight what makes each entrant stand out.

Chamber Communications & Events Manager, Carrie Brown, says the Awards gala is always a highlight on the calendar.

“We’re looking forward to announcing the winners at our black-tie Awards gala in March 2026, with a capacity crowd at Mercury Baypark cheering them on.”

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