Latest news with #SupremeAward
Otago Daily Times
18-07-2025
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Best in business to be celebrated
PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES Good sorts, top-notch small businesses and the best employer have been added to the categories for this year's 2degrees Queenstown Business Awards — entries for which have opened. Organised by the Queenstown Business Chamber of Commerce, the awards, held every second year, highlight the innovation, resilience and community spirit that define the Queenstown business landscape. Chamber CEO Sharon Fifieldsays they're also a chance for businesses to reflect, recharge and revel in their achievements. "This year's awards are all about celebrating the incredible journey our local businesses have been on. "We've seen remarkable growth, creativity and grit — and now it's time to shine a light on that." There are 10 categories this year, including three new ones — small business of the year, sponsored by Queenstown Airport, employer of the year (RealNZ) and the 'good sort' award (Hamish Walker, of Walker & Co Realty). The latter category recognises individuals who go above and beyond in business standards, ethics, community involvement and helping others. Good sorts can be nominated by the public — a judging panel will select the finalists, and a winner. Returning categories are: Excellence in sustainability and environmental business practice (Destination Queenstown) Excellence in innovation (Polestar) Excellence in marketing (Shotover Creative) Excellence in community contribution (SkyCity Queenstown) Excellence in professional services & business solutions (Lane Neave Lawyers) Excellence in customer experience (Kingpin Queenstown) Judges will select winners of those categories, and the Supreme Award winner, while the public gets to choose the winner of the Mountain Scene People's Choice Award. Entries are open until September 15 and are available to all businesses and non-profits in the Whakatipu — chamber membership isn't required. Finalists will be announced on October 16, and winners revealed at a gala dinner in Queenstown's CBD on November 8. For more info, or to enter, see
Otago Daily Times
26-06-2025
- General
- Otago Daily Times
Our community champions
The Clutha Community Hub Charitable Trust and Committee are presented the Supreme Award at the Clutha Community Service Awards at TPŌMA last week by members of the Clutha District Council. PHOTO: SUPPLIED The Clutha District Council announced the winners of the 2025 Clutha Community Service Awards last Wednesday to honour the groups and individuals who go above and beyond to make a positive difference in their community. Presented at Te Pou Ō Mata-Au, Clutha District War Memorial and Community Centre (TPŌMA), the Supreme Award went to Clutha Community Hub Charitable Trust and Committee. "This a great opportunity for our district to acknowledge the passion and pride people put into their community," Mayor Bryan Cadogan said. "Communities are defined by their champions who drive projects and make real differences that we all benefit from." Formed in 2016, the Hub Charitable Trust and Committee were formed with "a goal to develop a place to celebrate local identity and heritage, and bring people together to connect, grow, and thrive". The resulting TPŌMA civic centre is "a facility that pays tribute to the past while boldly embracing the future". Other groups acknowledged for their contribution this year included Clutha Budget Advisory Service, Lawrence Creative Arts, Tapanui Toy Library and Milton Area Promotions. Local individuals recognised for dedication and commitment to their communities included Benji Perry, Jess Paul, Geoff Blackmore and Elizabeth Jenkinson. Year 13 students who demonstrated "great volunteer mahi" were recognised with Youth Spirit award, given this year to Annaliese Bisset and Maddie Grinton. "The awards remind us of the remarkable generosity, dedication, and heart that exists within our communities," council's community support and development adviser Lilly Paterson said. "It was a privilege to celebrate the individuals, students, and groups whose tireless volunteer work often goes unnoticed, yet has such a lasting impact. These are the people who make Clutha a stronger, more connected place to live — and we are proud to acknowledge and thank them," Ms Paterson said. Each community group winner received $1000, and the supreme winner received an additional $2000. Keep reading future editions of the Clutha Leader for a closer look at this year's hard-working winners and details of their impact on the area.
Scoop
24-06-2025
- Automotive
- Scoop
Turners Auto Retail Celebrates Continued Growth
Press Release – Turners Group Turners Auto Retail is proud to announce a 6% increase in retail vehicle sales for FY25—an impressive result in a market that declined by 6.2%. The company also continues to expand its footprint, now with 33 branches nationwide, and its team, now well over 500 strong. Turners continues to grow, invest in its people, and build momentum. The results were celebrated in style at the company's Annual Awards Night, the centrepiece of a three-day national conference that brought together nearly 100 leaders from across the country. Hosted in Auckland, the event recognised excellence across the business, with a total of 28 awards presented to high-performing individuals and teams. The night's top honour, the Supreme Award, was awarded to the Whangārei branch, celebrating their outstanding performance and contribution over the past year. CEO, Greg Hedgepeth, presented the award to the Branch leaders who accepted on behalf of their team. 'Our teams have truly cranked through a tough market this year by leaning into the challenges and working hard to overcome them,' said Hedgepeth. 'These awards are not just about celebrating results, but recognising the energy, resilience and values that power this business every day. I'm incredibly proud of what we've achieved together.' The Turners conference is a much-anticipated annual highlight, designed to bring people together to share knowledge, align on strategy for the future, and celebrate success. From Branch Managers to Office Managers, the three-day conference included workshops, keynotes, planning sessions—and of course, the awards evening itself. 'With new branches opening in Christchurch and a clear strategy for increased investment in our brand, our digital capability, and our people, the future is bright,' said Hedgepeth. 'We want Turners to be seen as the best place in the industry to grow a career—where people are supported, recognised, and part of something exciting.' 'And I can't overstate how important our people are to our success,' Hedgepeth continued, 'which is why I'm particularly proud that we continue to be in the top 5% of organisations globally for employee engagement.' Turners was also recently awarded a 5-Star Employer of Choice by the Human Resources Director Group for New Zealand, another proof point of their commitment to culture, leadership, and the development of their people.
Scoop
24-06-2025
- Automotive
- Scoop
Turners Auto Retail Celebrates Continued Growth
Turners Auto Retail is proud to announce a 6% increase in retail vehicle sales for FY25—an impressive result in a market that declined by 6.2%. The company also continues to expand its footprint, now with 33 branches nationwide, and its team, now well over 500 strong. Turners continues to grow, invest in its people, and build momentum. The results were celebrated in style at the company's Annual Awards Night, the centrepiece of a three-day national conference that brought together nearly 100 leaders from across the country. Hosted in Auckland, the event recognised excellence across the business, with a total of 28 awards presented to high-performing individuals and teams. The night's top honour, the Supreme Award, was awarded to the Whangārei branch, celebrating their outstanding performance and contribution over the past year. CEO, Greg Hedgepeth, presented the award to the Branch leaders who accepted on behalf of their team. 'Our teams have truly cranked through a tough market this year by leaning into the challenges and working hard to overcome them,' said Hedgepeth. 'These awards are not just about celebrating results, but recognising the energy, resilience and values that power this business every day. I'm incredibly proud of what we've achieved together.' The Turners conference is a much-anticipated annual highlight, designed to bring people together to share knowledge, align on strategy for the future, and celebrate success. From Branch Managers to Office Managers, the three-day conference included workshops, keynotes, planning sessions—and of course, the awards evening itself. 'With new branches opening in Christchurch and a clear strategy for increased investment in our brand, our digital capability, and our people, the future is bright,' said Hedgepeth. 'We want Turners to be seen as the best place in the industry to grow a career—where people are supported, recognised, and part of something exciting.' 'And I can't overstate how important our people are to our success,' Hedgepeth continued, 'which is why I'm particularly proud that we continue to be in the top 5% of organisations globally for employee engagement.' Turners was also recently awarded a 5-Star Employer of Choice by the Human Resources Director Group for New Zealand, another proof point of their commitment to culture, leadership, and the development of their people.
Scoop
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Delicious Deli Meats For Vegans
Press Release – Vegan Society The Vegan Society of Aotearoa's seventh annual Sausage and Deli Awards are being judged on 23rd June and the Society is delighted that the annual food awards continue to grow, as more products come out that need recognition. The vegan food awards will always showcase the excellence that can be found in plant-based foods. The range of deli style not meats is well represented in Aotearoa and these healthier alternatives can be found in all good supermarkets across the country. Plant-based foods are great for the environment, requiring much less land and water than animal products, plus no animals were harmed during their production. The categories this year are: Breakfast Sausage Bangers BBQ Hotdogs and Sausage Rolls Speciality Sausage Chorizo Pastrami Cold Cuts (chicken, turkey, salami) Bacon Style Burger Patties Hot Served 'Meats' 'Seafood' Style Paté Innovation Category (Producers using innovative ingredients such as jackfruit, banana blossom, tempeh, congak, fungus etc, to create a unique vegan meat option.) Last year's Supreme Award winner was Vegan Smoked Sausage with Szechuan Sauce (Blissful, 'Whole Perfect Food' brand), the judges were particularly impressed, saying it was a fantastic special sausage. Great spice and good presentation. Engaging texture and moisture. Good in stir fried noodles and rice because of Asian flavour background. The judges this year are food and beverage industry experts, Aaron Pucci and Jasbir Kaur, both highly respected in their fields with a wealth of expertise between them. Favourite vegan funny man Tom Sainsbury, whose great love of vegan sausages has helped lend a voice of the public to the proceedings. The almighty and formidable vegan pie maker, Jason Hay of Richoux Patisserie, is crossing the line this year to become Judge Jason and we also excited to welcome seasoned Executive Chef with a proven track record at Sudima Auckland Airport, Rodney Gomes excels in innovative menu creation and managing high-volume kitchen operations. 'We are so excited to have our new deli meats categories, which recognise the quality and care that goes into producing great plant-based alternatives for meat products. We urge all manufacturers to try their luck and see if their product has what it takes to win our judges over. With the rising cost of living, eating plants will always be a good thing, providing healthier foods with lower emissions, helping to look after our home.' said Media Spokesperson, Claire Insley With so many categories to munch their way through, these judges will really be getting their teeth into it. To find out more about the awards go to More about the Vegan Society Aotearoa New Zealand: The Vegan Society supports and facilitates a vegan lifestyle and plant-based eating by creating a vibrant, visible and influential community, and by providing resources and information.
