Hawke’s Bay Business Awards finalists announced

The 2024 Hawke's Bay Business Awards, where the Leader of the Year Award was given to Henare O'Keefe, who was recently re-elected to Hastings District Council.

Finalists have been named in six categories for the annual Pan Pac Hawke’s Bay Business Awards.

Categories include a People’s Choice Award, and all winners, including the Leader of the Year Award, and the Supreme Award.

Winners will be revealed at the gala on November 14 at the Napier War Memorial Centre.

Awards CEO Karla Lee said that every year organisers were amazed by the dedication and innovation of local businesses.

“Even for those who don’t make the finalist list, the entry process is a valuable opportunity to reflect, celebrate achievements, and receive insights from experienced judges,” she said.

The awards include the new Outstanding Māori and Pasifika Business and Best Micro Business awards, recognising the diverse contributions of small and culturally-led enterprises.

Each entry was assessed on business performance, innovation, leadership, sustainability, and community contribution.

For the new Māori and Pasifika, and Micro Business categories, judges also considered cultural impact and excellence in smaller-scale operations.

The major award last year went to Hastings civil construction company Tūpore Infrastructure.

Actor, writer, director, and comedian Madeleine Sami will host the awards function.

Finalists are:

Best Micro Business: Sacred Space Cleaning, Contentment PR and Communications.

People’s Choice: Cleva Chiropractic, Pēpi Eats, Hygge at Clifton Bay.

Best Emerging Business: RossAi, Cleva Chiropractic, MTF Finance Napier.

Outstanding Māori and Pasifika Business: Kauwaka, Kahu Scaffolding Ltd, Tātau Tātau o Te Wairoa

Outstanding Social Impact: MTF Finance Napier, Tātau Tātau o Te Wairoa, Hōhepa Hawke’s Bay.

Excellence in Business: Bizdom, HB Homes & Commercial, Brittin Builders.