Key Dates for 2026
Business Awards
- Friday 1 May 2026
Entries open for the Northland Business Excellence Awards
(Includes Workplace Safety, Employer of Choice and Creative Industries) - Friday 31 July 2026, 12pm
Entries close for the Northland Business Excellence Awards
(Includes Workplace Safety, Employer of Choice and Creative Industries) - Monday 17 August – Monday 14 September 2026
Business Category Judging
(Judges site visits will take place during this time)
Nominations
- Monday 1 August 2026
Nominations open for the:- More FM Customer Choice Awards
- Ministry of Social Development, He Poutama Taitamariki (Youth Employee of the Year)
- The Northern Advocate Business Hall of Fame Award
- Friday 11 September 2026
Nominations close for the:- More FM Customer Choice Awards
- Ministry of Social Development, He Poutama Taitamariki (Youth Employee of the Year)
- The Northern Advocate Business Hall of Fame Award
Events
- Wednesday 17 April 2026 | 5.30pm – 7.00pm
Whangārei BA5 – Awards Launch - Monday 31 July 2026
Business Entry Form Submission Closing Date - Monday 17 August – Monday 14 September 2026
Business Category Judging
(Judges site visits will take place during this time) - September 2026 | Details TBA
Entrant Events - Friday 2 October 2026 | 6:00pm – 10:30pm
Awards Presentation Event - November 2026 | Details TBA
Winners & Sponsors BA5
Regional Entrant Coaching Clinics
To make the process of entering as easy as possible, Entrant Coaching Clinics will be organised to clarify the entry process and provide some insight to what the judges are looking for. The workshops will begin in May and be run by NorthChamber and Business Coaching New Zealand. All workshops will be held subject to minimum numbers.
The FREE one hour clinic walks prospective entrants through the Awards Guidelines and Entry form, making the entry criteria clear, explaining what the judges are looking for and breaking the sections down into manageable pieces.
This year there are two Awards Coaches to support entrants, Terry Sage and Vicki Moselen from Business Coaching New Zealand. As well as a dedicated Chamber team, whose focus is on supporting entrants through the entry process and ensuring they get the maximum benefit from both the entry process and networking possibilities.
Please look at the dates & locations that are suited to you and
Register Here
Coaching clinic dates are as follows:
Entrant Coaching Clinic – May 2026
- May 2026 | Details coming soon
Whangārei, The Orchard Business & Events Hub | 5.00pm-6.00pm | REGISTER HERE
Contact us to lock in a one on one Entrant Coaching Clinic with our Awards Coaches.
