Footage from last night's Westpac Rotorua Business Excellence Awards.
Rotorua's best of the best in the business world have been rewarded for their efforts with accolades, trophies and a great night out.
Rotorua Canopy Tours took out the Supreme Award, along with two other awards, at the Westpac Rotorua Business Excellence Awards on Saturday night.
The managing director ofthe tourism operation that mixes ziplining through the trees with conservation efforts, James Fitzgerald, told the Rotorua Daily Post yesterday he wasn't expecting the win as he knew the business waswere up against some good competition.
"The team [are]on a bit of a high today, they're taking the customers out and showing off the trophies."
Mr Fitzgerald said he was happy to be surrounded by his team at the awards.
"Having a big chunk of the team there to celebrate was the icing on top of the cake. It was them that have got us here, they are the superstars."
The judges said Canopy Tours did a fantastic job of celebrating and promoting all that was wonderful about Rotorua and the region - its beautiful natural environment and opportunities for adventure.
The judges said they were "simply blown away" by the commitment to conservation, pursuit of business excellence and the drive for a 100 per cent world class experience.
Earlier this month Canopy Tours claimed three titles at the New Zealand Tourism Awards - including the industry's highest accolade, the Supreme Tourism Award.
PARTY: Anika Moa had the crowd in the palm of her hand. PHOTO/ANDREW WARNER
The glamorous awards evening was held at the Rotorua Energy Events Centre, with DJ Max Key and Kiwi singer Anika Moa entertaining the large crowd.
Instagram star Key - the son of Prime Minister John Key - invited people up on stage with him so they could take selfies while he spun some tunes. And many took up the offer.
Anika Moa also had guests join her on stage while she joked with the crowd in between songs.
BEST OF THE BEST: Red Stag Business Person of the Year Ray Cook. PHOTO/ANDREW WARNER
Property developer Ray Cook took out the night's other big award, being named Rotorua Business Person of the Year.
"It was unexpected, I did wonder why I was invited along . . . It's overwhelming.
"It was nice to be held in such high regard. I do things not for recognition, I try and do things in a quiet way but that wasn't to be [on Saturday] night."
Mr Cook has contributed to Rotorua and the nation's tourism and economic growth through his work as a property developer and board member for more than 25 years.
He has been managing director of four major and privately owned companies for which he provided the concept, design, management and development and which are linked to the tourism sector - R&B Consultants, Rotorua Lakeside Resort, The Wall Backpackers and Activity Centre and Rotorua International Airport Company.
Among the many other delighted winners was Domino's Rotorua, which took out the Retail Business Award.
Brothers Liam, 21, and Kaedyn Stops, 22, opened the pizza store in the Redwoods Centre just over three years ago as teenagers.
Liam said it was great to have won the award, as they were up against some good competition.
"It was anyone's game when it came down to it."
The brothers' parents travelled from Hawkes Bay to share the winning moment and celebrate with them.
Liam said they had been asked previously to enter the awards, but for the first two years were busy getting the business up and running.
"Three years in we're a little bit more relaxed."
Liam said their next goal was to take over the Koutu Domino's store, which they hoped to achieve within the next couple of months. And longer term, the goal was "five stores within five years", he said.
"We'll nail Rotorua first and then see where we can go."
Westpac Rotorua Business Excellence Awards 2016 Category winners:
Holland Beckett Lawyers - Manufacturing and Trade Business Award: Volcanic Hills Winery
Pukeroa Oruawhata Holdings Limited - Retail Business Award: Domino's Rotorua
The Rotorua, Bay of Plenty, Waikato Monthly Visitor's Guide- Hospitality Business Award: Abracadabra Cafe and Bar
The Rotorua Bay of Plenty, Waikato Monthly Visitor's Guide Attractions Business Award: Canopy Tours
