ANZ Business of The Year Awards for the Ashburton District winners revealed

Locally owned and operated Greg Donaldson Contracting has won the supreme award at the ANZ Business of the Year Awards 2026 for the Ashburton District. Photo / Supplied

Locally owned and operated Greg Donaldson Contracting has won the supreme award at the ANZ Business of the Year Awards 2026 for the Ashburton District.

Specialising in large-scale agricultural contracting and pioneering technology solutions, Greg Donaldson Contracting has grown into one of Mid Canterbury’s most respected businesses.

Ashburton district mayor Liz McMillan announced the supreme winner at the business awards gala dinner at the Ashburton Aviation Museum on Friday night.

“GDC’s outstanding combination of vision, passion and excellence have made a significant contribution to our community,” McMillan said.

The 2026 Business of the Year Awards were once again sponsored by ANZ, as well as a host of supporting and category sponsors. The awards were first held in 2022 and are a biennial event.

McMillan said it was an inspirational night, with the awards highlighting the incredible talent and drive right here in our district.

“There are so many success stories happening in our own backyard and they deserve to be recognised and celebrated for their hard work and determination.”

2026 Category Winners

Excellence in Primary Industries – Large

(Category Partner: Catalyst Performance Agronomy)

Winner: Molloy Agriculture

Highly Commended: Greg Donaldson Contracting

Excellence in Primary Industries – Small

(Category Partner: Catalyst Performance Agronomy)

Winner: Grassroots Dairy Management Graduate Programme

Highly Commended: Heli Rural

Excellence in Export – Small

(Sponsored by ANZCO)

Winner: Fourflax

Highly Commended: Hemprino

Excellence in Export – Large

(Sponsored by ANZCO)

Winner: Kaipak

Excellence in Technology and Innovation

(Sponsored by Croys)

Winner: Greg Donaldson Contracting

Highly Commended: NZ Ski

Excellence in Customer Experience

(Sponsored by Spark)

Winner: Beckley Coachlines and Travel

Highly Commended: Homestead

Emerging Business Award

(Sponsored by Abbott)

Winner: Hemprino

Highly Commended: Heli Rural

Excellence in Manufacturing

(Sponsored by Fox Peak Dairy)

Winner: Kaipak

Highly Commended: Fourflax

Excellence in Community Impact

(Sponsored by NZ Bed Company)

Winner: Dear Effie Charitable Trust

Highly Commended: Community House Mid Canterbury

Excellence in Workplace Wellbeing

(Sponsored by Crest Clean)

Winner: RMF Silva

Highly Commended: Ōpuke Thermal Pools and Spa

Excellence in Environmental Sustainability

(Sponsored by Canstaff)

Winner: NZ Ski

Highly Commended: Greg Donaldson Contracting

Excellence in Retail and Hospitality

(Sponsored by Mt Hutt)

Winner: Smoke Ashburton

Highly Commended: Ruralco

Excellence in Tourism

(Sponsored by Experience Mid Canterbury)

Winner: Hemsworth Estate

Highly Commended: NZ Ski

Excellence in Professional Services

(Sponsored by Tavendale & Partners)

Winner: Rushton Marketing

Highly Commended: Croys

Emerging Business Leader

(Sponsored by Talley’s)

Winner: Michael Donaldson – Greg Donaldson Contracting

Highly Commended: Harriet Bell – Hemprino

Excellence in Business Leadership

(Sponsored by Naylor Love)

Winner: Tony Aitken