Finalists chosen for business awards

From a record number of entries, the finalists for the 2012 Westpac Rotorua Business Excellence Awards have been chosen.

Rotorua Chamber of Commerce chief executive Roger Gordon said there were 28 different organisations represented among the 33 finalists, which showed the scope and variety of entrants this year.

"This reflects the very high calibre of entrants. The selection of the category winners and the ultimate winner, the Westpac Business of the Year will be a very difficult choice," he said.

Convening judge Melanie Short agreed. "A year of solid entries and once again, difficult decisions by the judges required.

"It's pleasing to see so many Rotorua businesses placing themselves in a position to be judged by their peers and taking the opportunity to celebrate business excellence in Rotorua."

Leading the charge this year are the Agrodome, Hamurana Lodge, Speedy Signs, Rotorua District Council and Bank of New Zealand who are each finalists in two awards.

Oppies Takeaways, named New Zealand's best chip shop last year, is in the running for the Retail Business Award a second time but will need to beat out McLeods Booksellers and Bunnings.

Mr Gordon said as with all competitions, many missed out on final selection.

"I encourage them to continue their process of evaluation and improvement to ensure they are finalists next year."

The finalists for the six business awards will give a presentation to all 13 judges on the weekend of September 22 and 23, the winners to be announced at a gala dinner at the Energy Events Centre on October 5.

Tickets go on sale September 3 at www.rotoruachamber.co.nz.

2012 Westpac Rotorua Business Excellence Awards Finalists:

• 
  The Daily Post Rotorua Visitor Guide Hospitality & Attractions Business Award: The Agrodome, Hamurana Lodge, Rotorua Museum of Art & History.
• 
  The Jo La Grouw Snr Memorial Award for the Best Manufacturing & Trade Business: Macaulay Metals, Speedy Signs, GJ Gardner Homes.
• 
  Unison, The Powerlines People Service Provider Business Award: Mountain View Funeral Services, exSITEz.
• 
  Destination Rotorua Emerging Business Award: Index Engineering, Vetro, Playtopia.
• 
  Pukeroa Oruawhata Holdings Retail Business Award: McLeods Booksellers, Bunnings, Oppies Takeaways.
• 
  Newstalk ZB Community Organisation Business Award: Alzheimer's Rotorua, Rotorua Arts Village Trust, LIFE Unlimited Charitable Trust.
• 
  NZCU Rotorua Employee of Year: Annie Clare (Agrodome), Clive Fugill (Te Puia), Chris Davies (Lone Star Cafe & Bar), Walter Miller (Rotorua District Council).
• 
  Waiariki Institute of Technology Apprentice of the Year: Olivia Adams (Salon St Bruno), Caleb Quirk (Zero to 100), Amy Wood (JAX Hair).
• 
  Rotorua Trust Social Responsibility Award: Bank of New Zealand, Speedy Signs & EmbroidMe, APR Consultants Ltd.
• 
  TrustPower Customer Service Award: Aislin Hair Studio, Hamurana Lodge, Koha Souvenirs.
• 
  Waikato University Emerging Young Business Person of the Year: Darren McGarvie (Bank of New Zealand), Louis Sylvester (Rotorua District Council), Rachelle Cavanagh (Davys Burton).