Celebrating Northland Business - November 2023

Celebrating Northland

Photographer – Arron Lilley Photography

BUSINESS

Northland Business

EXCELLENCE AWARDS

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Celebrating Northland

Northland Business

BUSINESS

EXCELLENCE AWARDS

PORTSTAR PLASTICS

EMA Recognition of Social Impact – Not For Profit Award - R Tucker Thompson. Simon Devoy, EMA; Maria Beer; Sophie Camplin; Jo Lynch; Terry Dunn; Russel Harris of R Tucker Thompson

NDSL Ricoh Northland Excellence in Business – Large Business Award Winner 2023

P

ortstar Plastics is a custom rotational plastic moulder. Based in Ruawai, they service clients in the electrical, waste-water, agricultural, retail and marine industries.

first class and well deserved based on our experience with your business.”

A family-owned business who are proud of their high performing team who deliver exceptional customer service.

Portstar Plastics service and deliver to Northland and Auckland customers.

So if you have a product to be made from durable and recyclable polyethylene with a quality finish at the right price, talk to Portstar Plastics.

One of their clients wrote yesterday: “Congratulations on your success at the Northland Business awards, absolutely

They make water tanks, navigational buoys, and other industrial products.

Wynn Fraser Best Emerging Business Award Winner – Shadeland Te Tai Tokerau, L-R Darryn Fisher NorthChamber CEO presenting on behalf of, to Graeme Peter and Daniel Taitoko

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Salt & Seed Private Dining, a bespoke catering business iness based in the Bay of Islands and Northland, offfers ffers a tailored experience for private functions, wedd ding dings, gs,, and events accommodating 2 to 120 guests. Run by a dedicated chef couple with a 12-year culinary journey across New Zealand and the UK, they’ve now settled in Natacha’s hometown in the Bay of Islands.

This venture, Salt and Seed Private Dining, was born to showcase our unique culinary style and highlight the best local producers and artisans. With a background in prestigious U.K. restaurants, including Michelin-starred establishments, Chris and Natacha bring restaurant-quality service to any location. Their philosophy is simple: craft innovative cuisine paired with exceptional service for flawless events.

All of their food is handmade from the freshest locally sourced ingredients, reflecting the season and the best Northland has to offer. They grow some of their own produce,, prioritizing g local farmers for seasonal, fresh ingredients, enhancing both flavor and nutrition.

Salt & Seed invites you to embark on a culinary journey that celebrates nature’s bounty and the art of creating unforgettable dining experiences, ensuring quality ingredients and exceptional service at every event.

Phone: +64 (0) 9 439 2250 Email: admin@portstarplastics.co.nz Ruawai, NZ

Join us on a culinary journey that celebrates the bounty of nature and the art of creating unforgettable dining experiences.

info@saltandseed.co.nz Kerikeri, Bay of Islands 02102636144 www.saltandseed.co.nz

Celebrating Northland

Northland Business

BUSINESS

EXCELLENCE AWARDS

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CELEBRATING THE 2023 NORTHLAND BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS The 46th Annual Northland Business Excellence Awards took place on Friday, November 3, 2023. The black-tie event was attended by 320 people, including Awards entrants, sponsors, judges, and key stakeholders from across Taitokerau – Northland. The evening is a celebration of the outstanding achievements of local businesses and individuals.

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reatures NZ Ltd – Dodoland, the developers of EUGY-3D cardboard animal puzzles, were the big winners of the night. They received the Northpower and Top Energy Northland Business Excellence Supreme Award, the Marsden Maritime Holdings Ltd Excellence in Business Medium Business Award, and the Creative Northland Excellence in Cultural and Creative Industries Award.

They were also finalists in the Innovate and Best Digital Adaptation categories.

Local business owner, developer, and entrepreneur Barry Trass was inducted into the Northern Advocate Business Hall of Fame for his more than 40 years of contribution to the local business.

Recently appointed NorthChamber CEO Darryn Fisher said, “As a first-time experience, I found the event outstanding.

It was fantastic to connect and celebrate some of the very best of our region’s businesses community, the future certainly looks bright.

The Awards process has 14 Business Categories offering a range of entry options to suit business size, age, turnover and specialisation. Entry criteria range from the ‘all of business’ review that is the Business Category entry form, to Specialist Categories showcasing a range of businesses doing incredible works across the creative, cultural, social impact, innovation, safety, digital and sustainability spaces.

Convenor of Judges for the Awards Greg Atkins, a director of BDO who sponsor the Judges Choice Award as well, acknowledges that the Business Category entry is probably one of the most challenging Awards processes in the country.

“It requires a huge commitment, it forces a very thorough assessment of a business, setting a standard so we know that the winners and finalists are truly outstanding and deserving.”

Entrants who don’t achieve a final placing are encouraged to give the Awards another go building off their experience. Ontrack

Bookkeeping Ltd, a 2022 finalist came back this year and won the WRMK Excellence in Small Business category.

Three of the Awards categories are nomination based, including the More FM Northland Customer Choice Award, where the public nominates a business, they believe offers an exceptional customer experience, the Winner for 2023 was Te Kamo based business Bin Inn. The other two individual nominations include the Northern Advocate Business Hall of Fame and the Ministry of Social Development He Poutama Tai Tamariki Youth Employee – Employer Award. The Youth Award focuses on young people who have overcome adversity or challenges in their life and are demonstrating excellence in their work.

This award also recognises the role of the employer in creating conditions that foster success and sustainability. The winner this year was Connor Blackburn of Activ8 Northland.

The Business Awards aim to encourage local businesses to strive for excellence and to celebrate those who consistently achieve across the board. The Awards also serve to connect the Northland business community. NorthChamber Board president Tim Robinson recognises the many strands that come together to create a successful Awards event, “the entrants who step up, the judges and sponsors (many who have been previous entrants and winners) the Chamber staff and board, local suppliers and the team on the night all working together.”

He acknowledges the feedback this year, ‘has been overwhelmingly positive, summed up by this which made our day, “Thank you for making a space for us to celebrate, gather together and profile ours and others special kaupapa. We were just so grateful for the opportunity.

The tikanga, spirit and Northland-ness of the evening was very special. We (the business community) are grateful for this work and building of our community and whanaungatanga. Thank you, from our whanau to yours. Ngā mihi nui, Mauri Ora Mauri Tu.”’

Winners of the Supreme Business Excellence Award, Hoon and Philippa Kim encourage fellow Northland businesses to consider participating in next year’s Awards.

They say, “think of it as using a compass for your business, offering clarity on your current position and direction.

Winning the Supreme Award is a significant milestone for us at Dodoland. It’s the first time in our 12-year history that we’ve had the chance to pause and really think about every aspect of what we do. We’re passionate about what we do, especially our commitment to the environment and nature, and this award reinforces our dedication to these values.”

Greatures NZ – Dodolaand designs and manufactures animals and birds as 3D educational puzzles.

The core of the business is to ensure the products are made in an innovative and eco-friendly way.

“It was fantastic to connect and celebrate some of the very best of our region’s businesses community, the future certainly looks bright.”

Darryn Fisher NorthChamber CEO

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Celebrating Northland

Northland Business

BUSINESS

EXCELLENCE AWARDS

THE ARTIST BEHIND THE AWARDS DELL PRYOR - SCULPTOR

2023 Awards Artist Dell Pryor

Every Awards NorthChamber and Creative Northland commission a local artist to produce the design and finished product that are the physical Awards. This years pieces were designed and made by Dell Pryor.

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self-taught artist who began her career 30 years ago, sculpting portraits. One of her earliest is a portrait of Sir Robert Muldoon, who sat for her not long before he passed away.

During the sitting he was reading Dame Whina Cooper’s bio and strongly suggested a portrait should be done of her. So Dame

Whina Cooper is also amongst Pryor’s formative work.

Dell graduated towards life size realism of torso and full-figured studies in clay and bronze.

The past few years have primarily been spent creating smaller figurative pieces and works studying endangered animals.

Occasionally she does larger work including free standing whale tails and partial life size figures intended for outdoor situations.

Most recently Dell has worked collaboratively with fellow artists and friend Susan Dinkerlacker to produce a life-sized bronze of local bird rescue man, Robert Webb, releasing an albatross off the front of a coast guard boat. It was unveiled around eight weeks ago, where it resides at the Tutukaka marina greens.

WRMK Lawyers Excellence in Business – Small Business Award Winner 2023 - Ontrack Bookkeeping Ltd, David Grindle- WRMK, Di and Paul Crawford- Errington

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Celebrating Northland

Northland Business

BUSINESS

EXCELLENCE AWARDS

BDO Northland Judges Choice Award Winners 2023 – Soil and Sand Ltd, L-R Clr Tāmati Rākena, Stephen and Charlee Taua, Tatyana Diamond and Jude Rākena.

Ministry of Social Development He Poutama Taitamariki Award Winner - Connor Blackburn - Actv8 Northland. Kim Ashby, Graham MacPhearson MSD, Connor Blackburn.

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Jeroen Jongejans -Innovate Northland Award Winner 2023 – Northland Regional Council Excellence in Sustainability and Climate Geobind L-R Paul Linton – Northland Inc, Kate Malcolm – Dive Tutukaka, Jesse Henderson, Doug Sturrock and Alice Hosted Action Award Winner - Peekaboo Backyard Eatery. Feerique, Sara, with baby Archie.

Daniel, Lilu, Donna, Kayla Peekaboo Backyard Eatery.

tlc4u2 Micro Business Award Winner, Extraordinary Skin and Body Studio L-R Kyle Tucker, Trinity Peirson-Harrop, Trish Tucker and Jonathan Harris from tlc4u2 Ltd.

More FM Northland Customer Choice Winner 2023 - Bin Inn Kamo Becks Mercer Regional Sales Manager Mediaworks, Michele Aben, Jayden Aben, Peter Aben Bin Inn Kamo

One NZ Best Digital Adaptation Award Winner - Northland Forestry Nursery Ltd. Deena Pawson Regional Business Manager One. NZ Kevin Strawbridge Director Northland Forestry Nursery Ltd.

Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC ) Workplace Injury Prevention Award Winner 2023 Northland Vegetation Control. Tane Cassidy, Deputy Chief Executive Prevention and Partnerships, Northland Vegetation Control, Rochelle & Chance Campbell

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Excellence in Business – Micro Business Award

Northland Business

FINALISTS Coffee News Whangarei Nifty Dog Grooming Ltd

CONGRATULATIONS EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Excellence in Business – Small Business Award

TO THE NORTHLAND BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARD FINALISTS, WINNERS & THE BUSINESS HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE FOR 2023

Northpower and Top Energy Northland Business Excellence Supreme Award WINNER Greatures NZ Ltd - Dodoland

Workplace Safety Award

WINNER Northland Vegetation Control

FINALISTS Little Dippers Swim School and Aquatic Centre Shadeland Te Tai Tokerau

Photo: Tane Cassidy - Deputy Chief Executive Prevention and Partnerships (Sponsor), Rochelle Campbell & Chance Campbell from Northland Vegetation Control

He Poutama Taitamariki Award (Youth Employee of the Year) FINALISTS Mahoney Pou – Ministry of Social Development Troy Robertson – Taimahi Trust

Excellence in Cultural and Creative Industries Award FINALISTS Soil & Sand Clothing Bravado Hair Salon

Excellence in Sustainability and Climate Action Award FINALISTS EB FLO Apparel Bravado Hair Salon

Best Digital Adaptation Award FINALIST Greatures NZ Ltd - Dodoland

Excellence in Business Medium Business Award (10-20FTE)

WINNER Greatures NZ Ltd - Dodoland

FINALIST Northland Forestry Nursery Ltd

Judges Choice Award WINNER Soil & Sand Clothing

WINNER Connor Blackburn Employer: Activ8 Northland

Recognition of Social ImpactNot For Profit

WINNER Greatures NZ Ltd - Dodoland Photo: Olivia Garelja - General Manager (Sponsor), Phillipa & Hoon Kim from Greatures NZ Ltd - Dodoland

WINNER Northland Forestry Nursery Limited Photo: Deena Pawson - Regional Business Manager (Sponsor), Kevin Strawbridge - Director from Northland Forestry Nursery Limited

WINNER Portstar Plastics 2017 Ltd Photo: Cameron & Marcela Thompson Owners (Sponsor), Zelda de Villiers, & Mark Jeffries from Portstar Plastics 2017 Ltd

Photo: Greg Atkins - Director (Sponsor), Charlee Taua & Stephen Taua from Soil & Sand Clothing

WINNER R Tucker Thompson Sail Training Trust

FINALISTS Alzheimers Society Northland Inc Whangarei Accessible Housing Trust

Jeroen Jongejans Innovate Northland Award

WINNER Geobind

The Northern Advocate Business Hall of Fame

Photo: Jack Craw - Deputy Chair (Sponsor), Daniel Fasnacht from Peekaboo Backyard Eatery

Photo: Stephen Gibson - Business Development Manager (Sponsor), Phillipa & Hoon Kim from Greatures NZ Ltd - Dodoland

Photo: Simon Devoy - Head of Membership (Sponsor), Maria Beer, Sophie Camplin, Jo Lynch, Terry Dunn, Russel Harris from R Tucker Thompson Sail Training Trust & Michael Turner (Sponsor)

FINALISTS 818 Ink Ltd Greatures NZ Ltd - Dodoland Northland Accounting & Altitude Advisors Ltd Subbase Building Technology

WINNER Peekaboo Backyard Eatery

WINNER Ontrack Bookkeeping Ltd Photo: David Grindle - Director (Sponsor), Di Crawford-Errington & Paul Errington from Ontrack Bookkeeping Ltd

Excellence in Business Large Business Award (>20+FTE)

Photo: Kim Ashby - Manager (Sponsor), Graham MacPherson - Regional Commissioner Northland (Sponsor), Connor Blackburn from Activ8 Northland

Photo: Jonathan Harris - Director (Sponsor), Trinity Peirson-Harrop, Trish Tucker & Kyle Tucker from Extraordinary Skin & Body Studio

FINALISTS Bravado Hair Salon NZ Petrol Refunds Whangarei Top 10 Holiday Park & Motels

FINALISTS Northland Petfood Northland Vegetation Control 2012 Ltd

Photo: Andrew McLeod - CEO of Northpower (Sponsor), David Sullivan Chairman of Top Energy (Sponsor), Phillipa & Hoon Kim from Greatures NZ Ltd - Dodoland

WINNER Extraordinary Skin & Body

INDUCTEE Barry Trass

Photo: Paul Linton - Chief Executive (Sponsor), Kate Malcolm - Director (Dive! Tutukaka), Jesse Henderson, Doug Sturrock, Alice Hosted & Archie Sturrock

Photo : Chook Henare, Kaihautū Matua - General Sales Manager (Sponsor), Jenny and Barry Trass

Thank you to this year’s Awards Sponsors and Partners MAJOR SPONSORS

MEDIA PARTNERS

PRESENTING PARTNERS

“Just do it!” usiness Excellence Awards. Pictured here with Awards CATEGORY SPONSORS & PARTNERS

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More FM Customer Choice Award FINALISTS Captain Donut Kaitaia Extraordinary Skin & Body Studio Inspire Art by Jessie Rose Northland Petfood PK Tyres

Best Emerging Business Award FINALIST Consult QSR

WINNER Bin Inn Kamo Photo: Becks Mercer - Regional Sales Manager (Sponsor), Michele Aben, Jayden Aben & Peter Aben from Bin Inn Kamo

and Vicki Moselen from Business Coaching new Zealand.

AWARDS PARTNERS

EVENT PARTNERS

WINNER Shadeland Te Tai Tokerau Photo: Graeme Peter & Daniel Taitoko from Shadeland Te Tai Tokerau

NorthChamber wishes to thank presenting partner EMA and major sponsors, Top Energy & Northpower, alongside all the media, category, partner and event sponsors involved in the 2023 awards. For more information, visit:

www.northlandbusinessawards.co.nz

Northland Business

EXCELLENCE AWARDS

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Celebrating Northland

Northland Business

BUSINESS

EXCELLENCE AWARDS

B c b e p j v a O v B p a o G

From left: Northpower CEO Andrew McLeod and Top Energy Chairperson David Sullivan with the 2023 Supreme Award Winners Phillipa and Hoon Kim from Greatures NZ Ltd – Dodoland

TOP ENERGY AND NORTHPOWER PRAISE NORTHLAND BUSINESSES Principal sponsors, Top Energy and Northpower are paying tribute to all businesses and judges involved in the 2023 North Chamber Northland Business Excellence Awards.

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hief Executives Russell Shaw and Andrew McLeod respectively, believe the efforts of entrants from throughout Northland were of an extremely high calibre and they are encouraging any businesses thinking about entering next year to do so.

“Obviously our congratulations go to the winners of all the categories, particularly the Supreme and Hall of Fame Awards, but those who did not win deserve equal praise for having a go,” the pair say.

Both locally owned companies are driven to invest in Northland and help support other businesses, which is why they sponsor the NorthChamber Northland Business Excellence Awards.

“Highlights of the night were hearing the many stories of Northland businesses showing innovation and working towards sustainability.”

Top Energy’s Russell Shaw says Northland is home to many world class, innovative and successful businesses and the quality of entries has again shown the strength and breadth of local businesses.

“The last few years has seen many external factors impact on our businesses and communities, but we continue to support each other, and that has developed a level of resilience that will help our region continue to thrive,” says Mr Shaw.

“That attitude and ability to adapt is reflective of the values that Top Energy and Northpower as Trust-owned businesses must live and operate by every day.”

It is a point backed by Mr McLeod who says

it’s rewarding to be involved in an event that celebrates the unique ‘let’s make it personal and have some fun’ style of doing business in the north.

“Being involved in the awards gets us close to the culture and attitude of these businesses. The winners of this year’s awards are great examples of businesses turning up strongly to make a difference in our community.

It’s nice to take a breath and recognise their successes,” says Mr McLeod.

“We are also very lucky to have a judging panel who willingly offer up their knowledge, expertise and time to make the awards a success and help local businesses

grow and thrive, so it is important to acknowledge them,” says Mr McLeod.

Both men agree that the value of the awards is being part of a process which requires people to look at their business performance and progress, while looking for opportunities to improve, adjust and innovate.

“The award process is a hugely positive experience for everyone, and we would encourage businesses throughout the Far North, Kaipara and Whangarei to put their hands up and enter in the 2024 NorthChamber Northland Business Excellence Awards,” they say.

Celebrating Northland

Northland Business

BUSINESS

EXCELLENCE AWARDS

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ESTEEMED BUSINESS VETERAN IS HONOURED: TRASS INDUCTED INTO HALL OF FAME If you are going to do something, do it well, be honest, and get as much advice from people outside your field of expertise - that’s some of the counsel for people looking at starting in business in Northland from Barry Trass, the 2023 Northern Advocate Business Hall of Fame inductee.

The Falls Estate village, one of the first large-scale retirement villages in Northland, stands as one of Trass’s proudest accomplishments. However, he has also faced disappointments, such as the loss of promised government funding for the Oruku convention centre and apartment project on Riverside Dr.

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arry Trass’s remarkable journey in Northland’s business landscape is a testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence. From humble beginnings, he has ventured into diverse enterprises, including construction, property development, car importation, jewelry, and boat building. Notable ventures such as Homeworld Design and Build, The Falls Lifestyle Estate, and Oakhaven Hospital stand as proof of his visionary leadership.

Beyond entrepreneurship, Trass has played a vital role in advancing Whangarei and the region. His active involvement in organizations like the Whangarei Economic Group (WEG) and Ruakaka Economic

Chook Henare, Kaihautū Matua - General Sales Manager NZME. Jenny and Barry Trass.

Development Group (REDG) showcases his dedication to the district’s progress. As the founding trustee and chairperson of Prosper Northland Trust (PNT), he played a pivotal role in bringing the Hundertwasser Art Centre with Wairau Maori Art Gallery to the city.

In his pursuit of putting Whangarei on the map, Trass aimed to attract cruise ships to the city, diverting them from the Bay of Islands. Despite initial challenges, he succeeded in capturing the interest of the cruise ship community by highlighting Whangarei’s unique attractions, like the breathtaking entrance to Whangarei Harbour.

Reflecting on his illustrious career, Trass imparts valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. He emphasizes the importance of seeking advice from experts outside one’s field, delivering exceptional service, maintaining honesty and transparency with customers and staff, and avoiding shortcuts.

Barry Trass’s journey in Northland’s business arena exemplifies the power of hard work, dedication, and a commitment to community development. As he takes his well-deserved place in the Northern Advocate Business Hall of Fame, his legacy stands as an inspiration to all entrepreneurs looking to make their mark in the business world.

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Celebrating Northland

Northland Business

BUSINESS

EXCELLENCE AWARDS

THE JUDGING

Judge Convenor says thanks to entrants Greg Atkins is the Convenor of Judges Director at BDO Northland Ltd, Chartered Accountant, Greg focuses on SME’s in Northland, specialising in new business start-ups, business valuations, and restructuring and general accounting assistance. Greg has been Convenor of Judges for the Northland Business Excellence Awards for the past 10+ years.

Outside work, Greg is a Trustee at Whangarei Boys’ High School and has held previous Trustee, Board and honorary positions in the community.

The curtains have drawn on the 2023 Northland Business Excellence Awards, and as we reflect on the journey, it’s clear that this year has been another success for Northland. The dedication, innovation, and resilience showcased by our local businesses has truly been commendable.

We want to extend our thanks to all the entrants who took part in this year’s Northland Business Awards. It’s your hard work and determination that makes Northland a hub of entrepreneurial spirit and economic growth.

As we congratulate the winners and finalists for their outstanding achievements, we must also acknowledge the importance of participating in these awards. The benefits go beyond trophies and accolades; it’s the experience, the

learning, and the connections made along the way that empower businesses to thrive.

For those who may have hesitated to enter this year, we encourage you to seize the opportunity next year. The Northland Business Awards are a platform for showcasing your business and hard work, and we hope you will be better off for entering. Your story deserves to be heard, and your success celebrated.

To the judges, thank you for your time, traversing the countryside to meet the entrants and providing constructive feedback for all. With on average 5-6 hours per entrant and 10+ entrants in some categories, this is a huge commitment provided!

Business Category Judges: Pauline Rose Pauline has held extensive business experience with large NZ corporates and local government.

She currently works for Northland based broadband provider Uber Group and with her husband Hugh she also runs Land of the Lotus Watergardens and Banana Park in Maungatapere.

She has been a judge of the Northland Business Excellence Awards for 20 years, and was President of the Public Relations Institute of NZ, a member of its National Executive and a regular judge of its annual awards.

Paul Visser Paul is a second term judge this year. He has been in banking for over 20 years helping Northland Businesses grow and succeed. Initially focussing on small business and Small to Medium sized Enterprises, he is now a Corporate Relationship Manager at Westpac Bank where he has worked for over 15 years in various roles, both in Whangarei and the Far North.

Jane Hindle Jane has judged the Awards on numerous occasions since 2010. Originally from a corporate background, where she held a number of executive positions within the IT&T sector in the UK and New Zealand.

She now lives in the Far North where she has been involved in a number of charitable and community organisations including establishing and running the R. Tucker Thompson Sail Training Trust. She is a professional director and currently a member of the Bay of Islands Whangaroa Community Board for the Far North District Council.

Sarah Greener Business Coach and owner at The Moxie Movement, Sarah has been an awards judge for three years and is known for her straightforward ethos. She’s a “one-time mum” who applies her no-nonsense approach to empower business mums. With a warm approach, she recognizes businesses that stand out for their heartfelt impact and strategic growth. Her mission is to rewrite the narrative for women in business, building strategic frameworks that weave their business goals with family life seamlessly. Her belief is clear: success is about enriching lives, starting with our own.

Jamie Rosemergy With over 25 years’ experience in leadership, recruitment and coaching in the Royal New Zealand Navy and across numerous industry sectors, Jamie brings that wealth of knowledge and connection into his role as Regional Labour Market Manager MSD. He understands how important local business is to the success of the region and is always willing to assist where he can to help those businesses grow.

Susan Cooney Susan from Oxygen8 Consulting brings over 30 years of business experience across industries and roles including consulting, strategic planning, operational management, marketing, training and public speaking. Her skills in training provide a natural platform from which to help business owners identify their true business and life goals, and then develop the means to attain them. She judged Young Enterprise students in 2022 and this is her second year judging the Northland Business Excellence Awards.

Brad Flower Brad has worked in senior management roles for over 25 years, specifically in the infrastructure industry in Northland. He is currently a Director of four Northland based companies including Onsite Project Solutions Ltd and is an Independent Director of Whai Manawa. Brad has been on the Executive Committee of the Civil Contractors NZ, Northland Branch for 15 years and is the head judge for their annual awards.

Brad has been on the board of Kamo Soccer Club for the past 35 years and is a Trustee on the Tikipunga High School Board.

Specialist category judges

are chosen for their experience and subject matter proficiency in the specific category they are assessing. Often they will be a representative from the Sponsor of the category and include one or more independents that bring business and industry knowledge to the table. Thanks to the following for their time and support.

Creative and Cultural - Olivia Garelja General Manager and Nyree Sherlock – Creative Northland.

Northland Inc. Jeroen Jongejans Innovate Award – Jules Smith director Again, Paul Linton CEO Northland Inc and Patrick Malley Director at Onyx Capital Ltd, Maungatapere Packing Ltd & Maungatapere Berries Ltd. Excellence in Sustainability – Natalie Child and Kim Wall, ACC Workplace Health and Safety – Pete Oxley and Phillip Tana and The Northern Advocate Hall of Fame – panel including Rachel Ward, Chook Henare, Tim Robinson, Darryn Fisher, Ken Wilson and Eru Lyndon.

Celebrating Northland

Northland Business

BUSINESS

EXCELLENCE AWARDS

WRAP AROUND SUPPORT THE ENTRANTS JOURNEY

Wrap around support for entrants from both NorthChamber contractor Tonya Russell in her role as Awards Support lead, and the Awards Coachig team from BCNZ of Vicki Moselen and Terry Sage

A former Business Awards winner and now an Awards Coach, Vicki Moselen of Business Coaching New Zealand (BCNZ) feels it has been a fantastic experience supporting entrants through the Business Excellence Awards process and she has relished the opportunity to draw from her past involvement as an actual entrant in the 2013 Business Excellence Awards.

“My company at the time emerged victorious in the ‘Emerging Business’ category. The current entry process is very similar, I know what it takes to “conquer

the beast” and get alongside the entrants to help them navigate the rigorous application and support them to tell their unique story.

Having done it all before and now with my background as a business coach I fully empathise with their excitement and anxiety and can offer valuable insights.

The most fulfilling part has been supporting and celebrating the success of the business owners. Working alongside them is a genuine privilege and I look forward to how we can support in the post Awards process.”

Vicki, alongside Terry Sage from Business Coaching New Zealand (BCNZ)

are a key part of the support crew for Awards Entrants facilitating the Awards Coaching Clinics which take entrants through the entry form and offers one-onone sessions to support and encourage businesses to do their very best entry.

After the Awards, when entrants have received the Judges feedback Vicki and Terry are available to review entries and facilitate ‘where to next’ plans with the business owner.

NorthChamber contractor Tonya Russell was integral to bringing on board entrants, as the NorthChamber Awards Entry Support Lead she worked with every Awards lead and enquiry assessing where their business best fit in the categories, signing them up for coaching clinics, acting as cheerleader and sounding board along the way.

Business owners and Winner of the 2023 Judges Choice Award Charlee and Stephen Taua of Soil and Sand commented that they have been most impressed with the awhi, and the wrap around support that has been part of the Awards process and feel that was integral to them completing their entry.

Nifty Dog Grooming were first time entrants and ended up as a finalist in the Excellence in Micro Business Category.

Owner Cheryl Louw thought it would be a good way to increase the business profile and compare her businesses with others of a similar size.

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Going through all the entry questions, made her really reflect on what she was doing and how she was doing it.

Her comments are echoed by so many entrants, she said “during the day-to-day business of running and working as a groomer, you can sometimes miss the overall picture as you just get on with things. But the questions make you think how you can improve further.”

“Even though we did not win our category to be a finalist in our first time is something we are proud of. “ Entries officially open in April for the 2024 Business Excellence Awards, but a series of workshops based off of the Business Category entry form will be scheduled from earlier in the year, allowing time for 2023’s entrants to review their entries with support from Chamber and the Awards Coaches and to encourage and assist those keen to enter for 2024 to start working early on both their business and the entry process.

Business owners and Winner of the 2023 Judges Choice Award Charlee and Stephen Taua of Soil and Sand commented that they have been most impressed with the awhi, and the wrap around support that has been part of the Awards process and feel that was integral to them completing their entry.

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CELEBRATING 10 YEARS BUILDING DREAMS WITH DEDICATION –

A DECADE OF EXCELLENCE AT STONEWOOD HOMES WHANGAREI

Marcus Bracey is the owner of, and hands-on builder for the Northland Stonewood Homes Franchise. With many years of home building experience under his belt his knowledge of the industry and attention to detail is evident in every home he builds. “My philosophy has always been to treat every house I have built as if it were my own,” he says. Marcus is involved in every build and many of his homes have gone onto achieve success in the Master Builders House of the Year Awards, including recent category and gold awards. Stonewood Homes Whangarei are a small dedicated team and pride themselves on their good relationship with clients, many of whom are repeat. As well as having a wide range of plans available for perusal which can be customised to suit the individual, clients can also approach the team with their own design ideas. Every care is made to make sure that your build is everything you’re hoping for. Working with clients to achieve their dream home is what sets Stonewood apart and the results speak for themselves.

Julie Scott 021 930 310 Lisa Simpson 021 644 757 whangarei@stonewoodhomes.co.nz 29 Lower Tarewa Road, Morningside 0110