Awards Categories

This award celebrates businesses that have demonstrated outstanding achievements in manufacturing by recognising those who excel in production processes, quality control, innovation, and strategic planning, contributing significantly to the industry and adding value to customers.

Recognises a business that is maximising the benefits offered by trading in the global marketplace and is achieving sustainable growth. International Trade includes both importing and exporting via a product, service or technology, so long as the business primarily resides within the wider Tauranga and western Bay of Plenty region.

This category celebrates businesses that have successfully commercialized R&D to create a groundbreaking product, service, or technology that has made a significant impact in the marketplace.

This category is for all the other industry change-makers who are not in manufacturing, international trade (importing or exporting), or emerging business categories.

It is for those domestic businesses who are leading their industry to new horizons and have demonstrated they are not just great businesses within their industry, but they setting new standards in their industry. Examples of businesses could be from the logistics, service, health and fitness, professional services, tourism, or retail sectors.

Recognises excellence of a Maori or Pasifika business in the Tauranga and western Bay of Plenty, through demonstrating their business acumen and achievement, while also improving social and cultural outcomes for their community.

Do you have a rising star in your organisation, poised to become a future leader? This award celebrates individuals who are on the path to becoming decision-making executives, general managers, partners, or regional managers. This award recognises those who demonstrate exceptional commitment to training, growth, ambition, ethics, people, business strategy, and execution. Future partners, middle-managers, new entrepreneurs are eligible to apply, as this category is for those who are not yet at the top of their organisation’s hierarchy locally.

This award celebrates entities (businesses, public or not-for-profits) that have demonstrated outstanding achievements in marketing, communications, and impact through innovative strategies, creative campaigns, and engagement with their target audience. Showcase your success stories, share your innovative approaches, and let us celebrate your contributions to the marketing landscape. Your campaign can be local, national or international, but you just need to be based within the wider Tauranga and western Bay of Plenty region.

Is your organisation a standout in creating an exceptional workplace? This award celebrates businesses that provide exceptional, supportive and engaging work environments for their staff by prioritising employee well-being, fostering professional growth, and maintaining a safe and positive company culture. Private, public and not-for-profit entities are eligible to enter as long as they are based in the wider Tauranga and western Bay of Plenty region.

The winner will receive a $15,000 study voucher from the University of Waikato to help you continue to invest in your team. Some T&Cs apply, but how cool is this bonus prize on top of the brand recognition of being known as the employer of the year!!!

The judges will decide which category winner most deserves to be named Tauranga’s Business of the Year.