Skyline wins supreme award (+pics&video)

More than 600 people donned their best attire and came out to support this year's winners in the Westpac Rotorua Business Excellence Awards.

The glamorous event was held at the Rotorua Energy Events Centre on Saturday night, with entertainers including Tiki Taane and Josh Leys.

Chamber of Commerce chief executive Darrin Walsh said it was a great night.

"There was a really good atmosphere and everyone was in high spirits. The winners were very excited and humble.

"The entertainment was impressive and overall the event went very well."

One of the night's big awards, the Red Stag Business Person of the Year, went to Malcolm Short of Pukeroa Oruawhata.

Mr Short said as far as he was concerned, the win came "out of the blue".

"I was elated to learn I had won this award, not only for myself but for Pukeroa Oruawhata who I represent. We have such a good team, if I do say so myself."

He said the win was a great accomplishment that he was humbled to receive. Mr Short wasn't at the awards, but recorded a video message played on the night.

Image 1 of 29: Westpac Rotorua Business Excellence Awards. l-r Monica Smith, Eveard Smith, Katrina Koppin, Michael Koppin. Photo/Ben Fraser

Skyline Rotorua walked away with the Westpac Supreme Award, as well as category wins for the Rotorua Monthly Visitor Guide Hospitality and Attractions Business Award and the AMI Insurance Social Responsibility Award.

The accolades come just a week after being announced the Air New Zealand Supreme Tourism Industry Association Award winner, and follows wins at the Rotorua Hospitality Awards and NZChef National Salon earlier this year.

Skyline Rotorua general manager Bruce Thomasen said the awards were testament to several years of investment, product development and dedication by the team.

"We're celebrating 30 years in business this year and crucial to our success has been the drive to innovate and improve the customer experience, while fostering partnerships and driving opportunities.

"This [win] was a really nice result for the team who have put in so much work and effort, particularly in the last three years."

Dubzz Digital Marketing director Rachel Warrender walked away with the Waiariki Institute of Technology Emerging Young Leader of the Year award and said the win came as a surprise.

"It was really nice to get this award as recognition for the hard work I've put in, as well as what I have given back to the community," she said.-To see video and additional photos of the awards night, go to www.dailypost.co.nz