FNR Group – Nga Ara o Te Hiku, better known as Far North Roading, was prasied for its people-centred leadership culture, taking out the supreme award at the 2025 Northland Business Excellence Awards.
FNR Group – Nga Ara o Te Hiku, better known as Far North Roading, was prasied for its people-centred leadership culture, taking out the supreme award at the 2025 Northland Business Excellence Awards.
A civil construction company with “remarkable” growth has taken out the top prize at the 48th annual Northland Business Excellence Awards.
The awards were held at a sold-out black-tie event at Whangārei’s McKay Stadium on Friday night, celebrating the best of Te Tai Tokerau businesses.
NorthChamber CEO Leah McKerrow saidwith a 55% growth in entry numbers from last year and exceptional standard of entries across the board, the judges’ decisions were incredibly difficult.
The Northpower and Top Energy Northland Business Excellence Supreme Award was awarded to FNR Group – Nga Ara o Te Hiku, better known as Far North Roading.
The company also won the Visual Tech Northland Excellence in Business Large Business Award.
The judges praised the civil construction company for its impressive growth and commitment to excellence in a highly competitive industry, pointing to its environmental sustainability, investment in technology and focus on building staff capability.
The EMA Excellence in Business Small Business Award was won by husband-and-wife team Build It Northland.
The Marsden Maritime Holdings Excellence in Business Medium Business Award was won by Villa Chartered Accounting and Business Advisory.
Far North Roading was praised for its remarkable growth and commitment to excellence in a highly competitive industry.
The ACC Workplace Injury Prevention Award was won by homecare service tlc4u2.
The Creative Northland Excellence in Creative Industries Award was won by Mauri Tui Tuia, which offers creative therapies.
The Northland Inc – Jeroen Jongejans Innovate Northland Award was won by Pyrobeam, a compact, solar-powered machine that transforms organic waste into valuable biochar.
The Northland Regional Council Excellence in Sustainability and Climate Action Award was won by Te Rūnanga O Ngāti Rēhia Trust.
The One NZ Best Digital Adaptation Award was awarded to tlc4u2.
The WRMK Employer of the Year was won by North Drill.
The BDO Northland Judges’ Choice Award went to Doubtless Bay Dental.
The Business Coaching New Zealand Voucher was won by Whangārei Boxing Gym.
The More FM Customer Choice Award was won by Whangārei cafe Hello Pickle, with customers praising its exceptional coffee, delicious handmade kai and unbeatable service.
The Ministry of Social Development He Poutama Taitamariki Award (Youth Employee and Employer of the Year Award) had joint winners: young mother Tyela Wood and her employer, Far North District Council, and talented young woman Izzy Kiff and her employer, Goldie Contracting.
Denise Piper is a news reporter for the Northern Advocate, focusing on health and business. She has more than 20 years in journalism and is passionate about covering stories that make a difference.
