Rivercity Tree Services' environmental plan was also very good, Smith said.
"It's not just about the economic return for them.
"Given that the work they do connects with the taiao (natural environment), they are quite considered with their work practices - what they use and how they use it.
"It's an all encompassing thing, and for me, I think they could grow quite considerably with the right support and assistance."
There had been more applicants this year than ever before, Smith said.
"We had a combination of well-established business and those that hadn't even reached the 18-month mark yet.
"It's still not really reflective of all the Māori businesses in this rohe.
"For those that did put their name forward, they bit the bullet and said 'hey, we really like what we are doing and we're putting ourselves out there to tell the world'."
One of those newer businesses was Tree Stylers, who took out the Māori Rising Star - Best Emerging Māori Enterprise award.
"What I like about them is that it's not just about aborism," Smith said.
"They are building a rangatahi programme for young people to give it a go, and to show that it's a cool, legitimate career pathway.
"Tree Stylers was a standout candidate for me, and I wouldn't be surprised if they took out the top award in years to come."
Paula Wade, owner of The Edge Beauty Studio and Top Draw Lingerie, won the Judge's Special Award on Saturday night, which Smith said was in recognition of Wade's 30 year contribution to the Whanganui business community.
"Thirty years is a long time, and to still be going is testament to good business acumen and being able to work through the ups and downs.
"Paula obviously has a really strong client base to still be around all these years later."
Smith said the War Memorial Centre was completely full on Saturday night, with a long waiting list for tickets to the event.
"Business is hard, and it's not too often that you get a chance to say 'we made it out the other side and actually, we are doing quite well'.
"Going out and starting a business, especially in this tricky climate, is really courageous and bold.
"We need to keep celebrating those successes."
Te Manu Atatu Māori Business Awards winner:
• Best Māori Business - Trade Services
River City Tree Services
• Best Māori Business - Tourism, Hospitality and Retail
Whanganui Seaside Holiday Park
• Best Māori Business - Professional Services
Blackout Media
• Best Māori Business - Manufacturing and Production
Pomeroy Logging
• Outstanding Service To The Community
Kimiora Trust
• Environmental Excellence Award
Rivercity Tree Services
• Māori Rising Star - Best Emerging Māori Enterprise
Tree Stylers
• X-Factor Award
Whanganui Seaside Holiday Park
• Judges Special Award
Paula Wade
• Westpac Supreme Award
Rivercity Tree Services
