The Thames War Memorial Civic Centre was abuzz with celebration on October 15, as local businesses gathered to celebrate their successes.
The biennial Claymark Hauraki Coromandel Business Awards, run by the Hauraki and Thames-Coromandel district councils, saw 26 finalists recognised across eight categories.
Coromandel Shelly Beach Top 10 Holiday Park took out the overall Supreme Winner category, also winning the Customer Experience award.
Judges said the holiday park stood out for its outstanding understanding of customers and commitment to continuously improving the customer experience.
“A very well-rounded business with strong financial performance, smart use of technology, good systems and continual reinvestment,” judge Sue Loder said.
Owner Aaron McFarlane said he was “humbled and honoured” by the accolades.
“It’s 24-7, 365 days of the year we’re looking after people, so we try and do our best,” he said.
“We’ve got a special little spot here by the beach… That Kiwi holiday kind of tradition is what we try to make it all about.”
Marica Slavich, whose business Onform PM Limited took out the New and Emerging award, said she felt validated by the recognition.
“A lot of my work happens behind the scenes – with project management it’s just the nature of the job, so it was really nice to have the judges recognise the hard work that’s gone into building my business,” she said.
Te Whāriki Manawāhine o Hauraki chief executive Denise Messiter also said she appreciated the recognition of her charitable organisation’s hard work, with the Refuge winning the Māori Business Excellence award.
“It’s about being proud as well, particularly of our kaimahi and the work that they do on a day-to-day basis,” she said.
The People’s Choice awards went to two food outlets – Luke’s Kitchen in Thames-Coromandel and Turua Bakery in Hauraki – with the judges calling them standout businesses and community favourites.
Peter Richardson, Ricky Bowen, Rino Wilkinson, and Colin and Gloria James were recognised at the event for their outstanding contributions to the business community, each receiving a Service to Business award.
Thames-Coromandel District
Mayor Peter Revell said the awards highlighted the strength, innovation and dedication of the region’s business community.
“It was inspiring to see the passion, resilience and commitment shown by this year’s finalists and winners… These businesses and organisations are making a real difference in our communities.”
Hauraki District Mayor Toby Adams also acknowledged the calibre of this year’s entrants, and the contribution local businesses make to their communities.
“Our local businesses are a big part of what makes our communities such great places to live, work and visit, and we’re incredibly proud of the people who choose to do business here and contribute to our communities.”
RESULTS
Supreme Winner: Coromandel Shelly Beach Top 10 Holiday Park.
Community Impact: Whitianga Community Services Trust.
Business Impact: My Thai.
Customer Experience: Coromandel Shelly Beach Top 10 Holiday Park.
Employer Excellence: New World Whangamatā.
Marketing and Digital Edge: Taylor Projects and Solutions Ltd.
New and Emerging: Onform PM Limited.
Sustainability: Glass Bottom Boat Whitianga.
Māori Business Excellence: Te Whāriki Manawāhine o Hauraki.
People’s Choice – Thames-Coromandel: Luke’s Kitchen.
People’s Choice – Hauraki: Turua Bakery.
Service to Business award recipients: Peter Richardson; Ricky Bowen; Rino Wilkinson; Colin and Gloria James.
