2024 Wānaka Business Excellence Awards Finalists Announced

The Wānaka Business Chamber is thrilled to announce the finalists for the 2024 Wānaka
Business Excellence Awards in partnership with Milford Asset Management.
After a rigorous selection process, the finalists have been chosen for their outstanding
achievements and commitment to excellence in their respective fields. This year saw a
record number of entries,

thanks to a revamped application and judging process, designed
to make it more accessible for businesses of all sizes. Despite the challenging economic
climate, the high calibre of entries reflects the resilience, innovation, and strength of the
local business community.

We also want to acknowledge and congratulate all businesses that entered. Taking the time
to invest in a business awards application is an achievement in itself. It allows business
leaders to step back from the day-to-day operations, reflect on their journey, and identify
areas of opportunity. All entrants should be proud of their efforts and their contribution to
making Wānaka a vibrant business hub.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the independent judging panel, Andee Gainsford, Ann
Lockhart, Carolyn Oakley-Brown, Dougal McGowan, Frank Gibbons, Janice Hughes,
Jaydene Buckley, Linzi Ebbage-Thomas, Mat Woods and Mike Henderson led by Convenor
of Judges, Lynley Lischner, for their time and dedication in reviewing the entries. The panel
was impressed with the overall quality of submissions, despite the challenges businesses
have faced in recent years.

Glenn Peat, General Manager of the Wānaka Business Chamber, commented:
"The judging panel had the difficult task of evaluating an incredibly diverse and innovative
group of businesses. What stood out this year was the level of adaptability and
forward-thinking that so many businesses demonstrated, particularly as they navigated
recent economic challenges.

It’s a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit here in Wānaka
that we’ve seen such strong engagement with the awards. We look forward to celebrating
not only the finalists but the broader business community that continues to drive our region
forward."

Finalists for the 2024 Wānaka Business Excellence Awards
Main Industry Categories

Excellence in Customer Experience – Supported by Drive Accounting
● Mitre 10 Mega Wānaka
● The Next Chapter
● Wastebusters

Excellence in Visitor Experience – Supported by Lake Wānaka Tourism
● Bike Glendu
● nzbiketrails
● Wānaka Helicopter Group

Excellence in Trade & Industrial Sector - Supported by Findex
● Architectural + Design Library
● Wānaka Solar
● Wānaka Stone

Excellence in Primary & Consumer Goods – Supported by Cardrona Alpine Resort and Treble
Cone
● Balance Me
● Rippon
● Sidekick Soda

Excellence in Professional Services – Supported by Aspiring Law
● Constructive Consultants
● Greenhawk Chartered Accountants
● Mike Pero Mortgages Wānaka & Queenstown
● Schistrock Media
Specialist Categories

Strategy, Innovation & Business – Supported by Batchelar McDougall Consulting
● Architectural + Design Library
● Bike Glendu
● Fluid Visual Communications

Best Emerging Business Award – Supported by Air New Zealand
● Green Fox
● nzbiketrails
Employer of the Year – Supported by EASI NZ
● Greenhawk Chartered Accountants
● Mitre 10 Mega Wānaka
● Wānaka Stone

Business Sustainability & Environmental Impact – Supported by Queenstown Lakes District
Council
● Green Fox
● Greenhawk Chartered Accountants
● Wastebusters

Community Contribution – Queenstown Airport
● Food for Love
● Wānaka Golf Club
● Wastebusters

Recognising Our Sponsors
2024 Wānaka Business Excellence Awards in partnership with Milford Asset Management
would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. We are incredibly
grateful to Milford Asset Management as our Title Sponsor and to our Category Sponsors:
Air New Zealand, Aspiring Law, Batchelar McDougall Consulting, Cardrona Alpine Resort and
Treble Cone, Drive Accounting, EASI NZ, Findex, Lake Wānaka Tourism, Queenstown Airport,
Queenstown Lakes District Council, and The Wānaka App. Their contributions ensure we can
continue celebrating the excellence within our business community. Please join us in
showing your support to these valued sponsors.
Awards Gala Event

The winners of the 2024 Wānaka Business Excellence Awards in partnership with Milford
Asset Management, including the coveted Supreme Business Award, will be announced at
the awards gala dinner. This event will be a special evening to celebrate the success of our
local businesses. In these tough economic times, it is more important than ever to come
together and recognise the incredible contributions of our business community.
For tickets to the awards gala dinner or more information, visit www.wanakachamber.co.nz.
We look forward to celebrating with you on this memorable occasion.