Tūpore CEO Gavin O'Connor (left) and co-shareholder Katie O'Connor (second from left) with owners Michelle and Robbie Gale.
Tūpore CEO Gavin O'Connor (left) and co-shareholder Katie O'Connor (second from left) with owners Michelle and Robbie Gale.
Hastings-based civil construction company Tūpore Infrastructure has scooped the top prize at the Hawke’s Bay Business Awards.
The business community’s annual night of nights was staged at the Napier War Memorial Centre on Friday night.
Eight awards were handed out, with the Supreme Business Award going to Tūpore,which offers a range of services including earthworks, roading and concreting.
The company, owned by Robbie and Michelle Gale, has been heavily involved in the region’s rebuild from Cyclone Gabrielle.
The judges were impressed with the company’s vision and performance.
“Led by a driven CEO, Gavin O‘Connor, Tūpore have a clear strategy, know where they want to go and how to get there,” the judges said.
“The judges were impressed with the simple and clever way overall strategy had been distilled into two six-step plans for success, which have driven performance across the entire business.
“It is their commitment to their staff, community and living and breathing their values that really sets them apart.
“Tūpore are absolutely deserving of not only their category win but the Supreme Award as well."
Tūpore claimed the Excellence in Business Award earlier in the night to add to its haul.
Tūpore, known as Russell Roads before being rebranded last year, has a 50-year history in the region.
Henare O'Keefe won the Leader of the Year Award. Photo / Paul Taylor
The Pan Pac Hawke’s Bay Business Awards received more than 200 nominations this year.
A new category of People’s Choice Award was won by Mamasdonuts Hawke’s Bay.
The other winners included Golflands and No. 5 Cafe and Larder (Resilient Business Award), Quality Roading and Services (Outstanding Social Impact Award), H₂Ortigator (Best Emerging Business) and RossAi (Excellence in Sustainability).
This year’s recipient is Henare O’Keefe, a former long-standing Hastings councillor and current Hastings Ambassador.
“Driven by a strong resolve to address and reverse negative social trends, Henare O’Keefe has mentored youth, championed family violence prevention and supported the reintegration of former prisoners,” the judges said.
“His role as Hastings Ambassador is marked by his vibrant presence, cultural pride and unwavering support for the community.”
Karla Lee, chief executive of the Hawke’s Bay Chamber of Commerce, which organises the awards, said they were about “connecting and building our businesses together”.
“Nā tōu rourou, nā taku rourou, ka ora ai te iwi.
“With your contribution and my contribution, anything is possible.”
2024 Pan Pac Hawke’s Bay Business Award winners:
Excellence in Business (sponsored by EIT): Tūpore
Best Emerging Business (sponsored by Heretaunga Hastings A Growing District): H₂Ortigator
Excellence in Sustainability (sponsored by Hawke’s Bay Regional Council): RossAi
Outstanding Social Impact (sponsored by The Breeze): Quality Roading and Services
Resilient Business (sponsored by Unison): Golflands and No. 5 Café and Larder
People’s Choice (sponsored by Napier City Council): Mamasdonuts Hawke’s Bay
Leader of the Year (sponsored by 2degrees): Henare O’Keefe
Supreme Business Award (sponsored by Pan Pac Forest Products): Tūpore
