Cheaper tickets for business awards night

Jason Kerrison of Kiwi band Opshop, also a New Zealand's Got Talent judge, will perform.

The countdown is on to this year's Westpac Rotorua Business Excellence Awards - with the MC and entertainment line-up revealed.

The black tie event, always a highlight of the local business calendar, will take place on Friday, October 3 at the Energy Events Centre.

Finalists for all awards categories are expected to be announced next week.

TV3 presenter Howard Dobson will MC the evening, which will include entertainment from Jason Kerrison, of Opshop and New Zealand's Got Talent fame, local pop singer Lizzie Marvelly and Kiwi artists Hannah McGrail, Sam Allen and Josh Leys.

Rotorua Chamber of Commerce chief executive Darrin Walsh said while the awards evening would be similar to previous years, there would some changes.

One of those was looking at the cost of tickets. He said it was felt the previous year's price of $150, even with open bar, was too expensive. This year tickets are $95 per person or $850 for a table of 10. That includes a complimentary drink on arrival, three-course dinner and three bottles of wine per table. A cash bar will also operate.

"[The evening] will be a little bit more modern [than previously] and and ticket prices are generally more affordable, that's the major changes," Mr Walsh said.

It would remain the formal, glittering night it had always been, he said.

Tickets are available from www.rotchamber.co.nz or call the Chamber on (07) 349 8365.