Click here to download the full list of finalists and winners
Northland Businesses Shine Bright at 2025 Awards
The 48th Annual Northpower–Top Energy Northland Business Excellence Awards set a new benchmark in 2025.
A record number of guests attended the black-tie event at McKay Stadium, Whangārei, on Friday, 7 November. The evening brought together entrants, sponsors, judges, and key stakeholders from across the Te Taitokerau business community to recognise and honour the remarkable achievements of local businesses and businesspeople.
Entries grew by 55% compared with last year, marking the highest number since 2018. Businesses from across the region submitted applications ranging from emerging enterprises to large-scale operations, across a variety of specialist categories.
The Northpower–Top Energy Supreme Award went to the Far North, with FNR Group Ltd – Ngā Ara o Te Hiku taking the top honour. Three generations of the Robinson family were present to celebrate their induction into the Northern Advocate Business Hall of Fame — the first time since the Awards’ inception in 2008 that a family has been recognised for its generational contribution to the region, and in another first, the Ministry of Social Development’s He Poutama Tai Tamariki Youth Employee–Employer Award was jointly presented to Izzy Kiff of Goldie Contracting and Tyela Wood of Far North District Council.
NorthChamber CEO Leah McKerrow said: “This year’s Awards evening was a powerful reflection of the courage, collaboration, and dedication that define our business community. We’re proud of everyone in Te Taitokerau who helped bring this celebration to life. I especially want to acknowledge the entrants who open their businesses to scrutiny in their pursuit of progress.” She added: “The Awards are a vital part of NorthChamber’s kaupapa — connecting businesses, supporting collaboration, and building capability to help create a thriving Northland. I also cannot emphasise enough how important the support of our sponsor partners are to making this annual celebration of our business community possible.”
Chamber board Chair Stephen Gibson said “This year’s Business Awards reflect the incredible depth and diversity of enterprise across Northland, with record entries and outstanding quality from businesses of every size and sector. From innovative start-ups and inspiring young entrepreneurs to long-standing icons being recognised in the Business Hall of Fame, the strength of our Northland business community is something worth celebrating.”
Meet the 2025 Winners and finalists
Northpower and Top Energy Northland Business Excellence Supreme Award
Winner
FNR Group Ltd – Nga Ara o Te Hiku
Judges comment
Far North Roading Ltd is a locally owned civil construction company that deserves recognition for its impressive growth and commitment to excellence within a highly competitive industry. The company’s strong leadership and strategic diversification reflect a forward-thinking approach that balances innovation with community values. A standout feature of Far North Roading Ltd is its people-centred leadership culture, which empowers decision-making and accountability at all levels. Team members are encouraged to upskill, and senior staff actively mentor apprentices with a holistic focus on wellbeing and personal growth. The company’s values — BUILD – PRIDE – STRENGTH — are clearly embedded in every aspect of its operations, something that resonated strongly with my fellow judge and me. Far North Roading’s integration of environmental sustainability and its ongoing investment in technology demonstrate a modern, responsible, and progressive business ethos. The future adoption of robust digital systems further underscores their commitment to continuous improvement and efficiency. As the company continues to enhance staff capability and formalise operational systems, it is well-positioned for sustained growth. Far North Roading Ltd’s journey exemplifies resilience, strategic planning, and an unwavering dedication to quality — hallmarks of a business with a bright and enduring future.
BUSINESS CATEGORIES
NorthChamber Best Emerging Business Award
Winner
Holistic Hound
Judges comment
The judges were impressed by Holistic Hound’s commitment to raising the standard of natural pet care through innovation, quality, and compassion. Their deep expertise in natural skincare, combined with GMP compliance and a strong customer focus, reflects a business built on integrity and purpose. What set them apart was their clear vision for animal wellness and their ability to translate that into a premium, process-driven offering. The judges commend their thoughtful growth strategy and are excited to see Holistic Hound continue to scale sustainably, bringing holistic pet care to the forefront of the industry.
tlc4u2 Ltd Excellence in Business Micro Business Award
Winner
Extraordinary Skin and Body Studio
Judges comment
The judges were impressed by their strategic move to focus on their core beauty business, the “beauty bar” initiative, and their vision, “to deliver confidence”.
They also demonstrated a great understanding of who their clients are, and their needs, in tailoring the setup of their business.
What set them apart was the use of systems in the business to ensure quality, whilst providing efficiencies at all levels.
The judges are excited to see their continued growth of this “extraordinary business”.
EMA Excellence in Business Small Business Award
Finalists
Hair by ME
Lodge 9
Tuesday Skin
Build It Northland
Winner
Build It Northland
Judges comment
Build It Northland has truly impressed the judges with their commitment to excellence, innovation, and growth. This business stands out demonstrating strong leadership, detailed management systems, and a clear customer-centric approach. Their dedication to health and safety is evident through their SiteWise Gold grading and use of Hazard Co, and their strategic use of their own property adds further value. Operating as a dynamic husband-and-wife team, they’ve shown resilience and adaptability in a competitive environment. With a clear vision for future growth and a strong foundation in planning and profitability, this business exemplifies what it means to live your values and lead with purpose.
Marsden Maritime Holdings Ltd Excellence in Business Medium Business Award
Finalists
PDC Creative
Cleanscape
Camp Waipu Cove
Whananaki General Store
Winner
Villa Chartered Accounting and Business Advisory
Judges comment
Villa CA exemplifies excellence through values-driven leadership, strategic foresight, and a deep commitment to both clients and employees. Their strong financial performance, scalable systems, and innovative use of technology underpin sustained growth. Villa delivers exceptional customer experiences, high retention, and community impact. Robust planning, ethical practices, and continuous improvement are evident across all areas—from process efficiency and early AI adoption to employee development. Villa CA is a standout experience brand, combining professionalism with purpose, and demonstrating sustained growth, adaptability, and a people-first culture
Visual Tech Northland Excellence in Business Large Business Award
Finalist
Tlc4u2
Winner
FNR Group Ltd – Nga Ara O Te Hiku
Judges comment
The judges were impressed by this locally owned civil construction company’s remarkable growth and commitment to excellence in a competitive industry. Their strong leadership and strategic diversification reflect a forward-thinking approach that balances innovation with deep community values. What set them apart was their integration of environmental sustainability and investment in technology, showcasing a modern and responsible business ethos. The judges commend their focus on building staff capability and formalising systems, which positions them for long-term success. Their journey is a testament to resilience, strategic planning, and quality—hallmarks of a business with a bright and sustainable future
SPECIALIST CATEGORIES
Accident Compensation Corporation Workplace Injury Prevention Award
Finalists
AIM – Active Intervention Management
Tū Mai Rā Energy
Winner
tlc4u2
Judges comment
ACC is delighted to congratulate tlc4u2, the well-deserved winner of the ACC Workplace Injury Prevention Award. tlc4u2’s genuine dedication to keeping their staff safe shines through in their hands-on training, easy access to osteopath care, and a dynamic digital platform for managing incidents. By truly listening to their team and weaving safety into every part of their day-to-day work, they’ve seen fewer injuries, lower ACC costs, impressive staff retention, and steady business growth. tlc4u2 is a shining example of workplace safety done right in Northland’s community care sector. Congratulations!
Creative Northland Excellence in Creative Industries Award
Finalist
The Turner Centre
Winner
Mauri Tui Tuia
Judges comment
Mauri Tui Tuia exemplifies innovation and impact in the creative industries, bridging art, health, and education through trauma-informed, culturally grounded creative therapies. Serving diverse communities across Tai Tokerau and Tāmaki Makaurau, their work reaches tamariki, whānau, educators, and iwi partners creating measurable social and wellbeing outcomes. As Aotearoa’s only organisation uniting arts, music, and dance movement therapy, Mauri Tui Tuia is forging new pathways in an emerging market, demonstrating commercial sustainability while redefining how creativity drives community resilience and inclusion based right here in Tai Tokerau.
Northland Inc – Jeroen Jongejans Innovate Northland Award
Special Mention – Levi Palmer Printed as the youngest entrant ever.
Finalist
Stewart Piping Innovation
Winner
Pyrobeam
Judges comment
Pyrobeam has developed a compact, solar-powered machine that transforms nearly any organic waste into valuable biochar. The judges were impressed by the simplicity, affordability, and potential impact of this innovation. With further testing, this clever solution could be a game changer for industries striving to cut their carbon emissions. It’s a proud moment for Northland innovation — tackling global challenges with smart, sustainable technology
Northland Regional Council Excellence in Sustainability and Climate Action Award
Finalist
Maxwell and McIntyre Oral Care
Tu Mai Ra Energy
Winner
Te Rūnanga O Ngāti Rēhia Trust
Judges comment
The judges were impressed with the holistic approach and commitment to sustainability and climate action, including the restoration of the ngahere, protection of threatened taonga, and the monitoring and restoration of the wai.
What set them apart was the scale and breadth of positive climate impact and the long-term intergenerational thinking and planning of all their projects. Their kāinga development framework was also impressive, designing our built environment to be living within nature.
The judges are excited to see this grow and flourish as time goes on and hope it will inspire other large scale restoration projects in the rohe.
“Ina tere nga kapua, he hau kei muri”
One NZ Best Digital Adaptation Award
Finalist
PDC Creative
Winner
Tlc4u2
Judges comment
Tlc4u2 have built a really smart, connected setup that links AlayaCare, IonMy, Crystal Payroll, Xero, and even a custom-built travel calculator, all under Microsoft 365. This means no silos, smoother governance, and real-time info for staff. The numbers are impressive too: incident reporting down from days to minutes, 100% roster fill even in busy periods, payroll errors wiped out, and scaling from under 200 to over 300 staff without losing quality. IonMy also makes sure standards are embedded daily, and they’ve got a clear plan to bring in AI to cut errors and speed things up while keeping people at the heart of care
WRMK Employer of the Year
Finalist
Peekaboo Backyard Eatery
PDC Creative
Winner
North Drill Ltd
Judges comment
The winner of the WRMK Lawyers Employer of Choice award is North Drill Limited.
North Drill is a company with a strong identity and a clear purpose. The Judges were particularly impressed with the way in which North Drill reflects the very best of being a vibrant and supportive Northland company.
North Drill has a real focus on developing and growing its people. It has created an inclusive team culture where no one person is greater than the team.
The kaupapa developed at North Drill is unique and it provides great outcomes for the company, its employees and customers.
Well done and congratulations to NorthDrill.
BDO Northland Judges Choice Award
Winner
Doubtless Bay Dental
Judges comment
Doubtless Bay Dental has truly impressed the judges with their unwavering commitment to delivering essential dental services to the wider Doubtless Bay community. This business stands out for its genuine care and dedication to the wellbeing of local residents. Their initiative to provide free dental care for young people is especially commendable—an investment in the future of dental health, particularly for those who might otherwise go without. Dentist and business owner Eru McGregor exemplifies purpose-driven leadership, incorporating Te Tiriti principles into the care of his patients and demonstrating what it means to live your values every day.
Business Coaching New Zealand Voucher
Winner
Whangarei Boxing Gym
Judges comment
The judges were inspired by the gym’s unwavering commitment to community wellbeing and youth development. Their integration of Māori values and partnerships with social services reflect a deep understanding of the community they serve. What set them apart was their ability to create a safe, inclusive space where rangatahi can grow in confidence, discipline, and resilience. While there is opportunity to strengthen operational systems, the judges believe the gym’s heart-led approach and grassroots impact make it a powerful force for positive change. We look forward to seeing their continued growth and influence in the lives of Northlander
NOMINATION CATEGORIES
More FM Customer Choice Award
Finalists
Ahurei Hair
Peekaboo Backyard Eatery
Tuesday Skin
Cable Bay Store
Barfoot and Thompson
Winner
Hello Pickle
Customer Comments reflected.
Hello Pickle received an overwhelming number of heartfelt, genuine comments from customers that reflected the following:
“Hello Pickle embodies the heart of community connection in Whangārei. Known for their exceptional coffee, delicious handmade kai, and unbeatable service, they turn every visit into a moment of joy. With their trademark smiles, humour, and genuine care for customers, the Hello Pickle team set the standard for excellence in hospitality—showing how passion, consistency, and aroha can transform everyday moments into extraordinary experiences.”
Ministry of Social Development He Poutama Taitamariki Award (Youth Employee and Employer of the Year Award).
Joint Winners
Winner – Employee Tyela Wood – Employer – Far North District Council
Panel comments – Tyela’s progress at FNDC has been achieved while a young mother, taking the initiative for herself and her child’s future, notably by removing herself from negative social circumstances that would otherwise have held her back. Her progression from cadet to project manager, in a relatively short timeframe, marks her out as a future leader at FNDC.
Winner – Employee Izzy Kiff – Employer Goldie Contracting
Panel comments – Izzy is a talented young woman working in a difficult, male dominated sector that requires adaptability and resilience. At Goldie Contracting she commands respect from her colleagues, has mastered the necessary skills and is continuing to pursue higher qualifications: –all evidence of her determination to map out a future for herself in civil contracting
The Northern Advocate Business Hall of Fame Inductee
Inductees The Robinson Family – Robinson Asphalts, Robinson Storage and Green Fingers Growing Mixes Ltd
Nomination Citation Celebrating and recognising three generations of the Robinson Family’s commitment to doing business in Te Tai Tokerau.
Key words from their nominator – Peter and Joan Robinson laid the foundation for a lasting Northland business legacy when they started Robinson Asphalts in 1972 and later Greenfingers Growing Mixes in 1986. Today, both businesses are into their third generation of Robinson family members actively working and carrying on the vision.
Robinson Asphalts has been a cornerstone in Northland’s growth for over 50 years. With numerous awards under their belt, they have partnered with and supported many other local businesses while playing a key role in transforming the region’s infrastructure.
Greenfingers Growing Mixes, which began at the Kamo Brickworks, has evolved into two thriving landscape supply businesses along with a specialist operation producing growing media and bark supplies to landscapers and nurserymen nationwide.
What makes their story even more special is their commitment to succession and keeping these businesses rooted in Northland. The next generations—Annie and AJ Johnston, Sharon and Murray Cole, and now their children—have all stepped up to lead and grow the family enterprises.
This is not just the story of two successful businesses—it’s the story of a family who has contributed to Northland for decades, supported countless others along the way, and ensured their legacy will continue for generations.
A truly legendary Northland business family.
