Click here to download the full list of finalists and winners
Northland Business Excellence Awards 2026
BACKGROUND
Northland’s business community came together to celebrate the 49th Northland Business Excellence Awards on Friday, 2 October 2026, at McKay Stadium in Whangārei. The black-tie event brought together 356 guests from around the region to recognise the achievements, ambition and resilience of businesses and individuals from Tai Tokerau.
This year over 50 entries were received with 40% of those businesses entering two or more separate categories. 90% of entries had not entered in 2025.
Senior Judge advisor Pauline Rose commented, “It is exciting to have so many new entrants. As judges this is what we want to see. it is heartening to know how many local businesses are challenging themselves. The last two years have seen a big leap in the overall quality of our finalists and winners; you needed to have something very special to succeed. Congratulations to all the entrants.”
This annual event is the culmination of months of work with business entrants using a robust framework to review their organisations and benchmark themselves against Northland businesses of a similar size or speciality.
The Awards offers six specialist categories and three nomination-based awards alongside five business categories spanning emerging to large organisations. This ensures businesses of every size and type have an opportunity to take part.
COMMENT – NorthChamber Interim CEO Tim Robinson:
“The Awards give us an important opportunity to celebrate exceptional local businesses. Our winners set high standards and show others across Northland what is possible. It’s an opportunity to pause, evaluate, make improvements, and celebrate their mahi. Business is not for the faint-hearted, and we are immensely proud of every entrant for stepping forward and contributing to a stronger, more capable and resilient Northland.”
COMMENT – Chamber board Interim-Chair Marcela Thompson
“Like many in our business community, the Chamber has navigated challenges and change during 2026. That makes us especially grateful to everyone who has supported this year’s Awards. Our category and event sponsors, Awards coaches, volunteer judges, panellists and entrants have each played an essential part in bringing this celebration to life. Together, you have shown what it means to be Team Northland—working collaboratively to build a resilient, highly capable business community and a stronger region. Thank you.”
Meet the 2026 Winners and finalists
Northpower and Top Energy Northland Business Excellence Supreme Award
Winner
Donovan Group
Supreme judges’ comment: The judges were particularly impressed by the organisation’s commitment to innovation, investment in its people, strong values-driven culture and ability to continually evolve while remaining true to its Northland roots. This is a company that treats its people as central to its success, building a culture where skills are developed, ideas are backed, and staff are given genuine ownership over the outcomes they help create — the same values-driven approach that extends to how the business engages with its customers and community, ensuring growth never comes at the expense of the relationships that built the company in the first place. Through visionary leadership and a focus on creating exceptional customer outcomes, Donovan Group continues to set the benchmark for sustainable growth and industry leadership. It stands as a powerful example of what is possible when ambition is matched with discipline, and when a business stays anchored to its roots even as its reach extends far beyond them — a true credit to Northland’s business community and a worthy leader among this year’s award winners
BUSINESS CATEGORIES
NorthChamber Best Emerging Business Award
Winner
Jansen Flooring
Finalists
IT Live
Judges comment
In a remarkably short time, Jansen Flooring has built a reputation as a trusted and highly respected business, combining extensive industry expertise with outstanding customer service and a genuine commitment to its community.
The judges were impressed by the company’s rapid growth, entrepreneurial spirit and focus on doing the basics exceptionally well. Through strong leadership, a culture of continuous improvement, innovative business systems and an unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction, Jansen Flooring has established a strong foundation for the future and exemplifies the talent, ambition and resilience of Northland’s emerging business sector.
tlc4u2 Ltd Excellence in Business Micro Business Award
Winner
Wild West Gourmet
Finalists
Extraordinary Skin & Body, The Alternative Bread Company, WADPA.
Judges comment
Wild West Gourmet presents as a highly capable and well-prepared growth venture with strong leadership, clear strategic direction, and exceptional operational foundations. What particularly stands out is the balance between passion and discipline; the directors have combined a genuine commitment to creating a high-quality locally sourced product with robust systems, process management, forecasting, and commercial planning. The business has established many of the foundational elements often missing in early-stage enterprises and appears well-positioned to continue its growth journey through deliberate decision-making, strong stakeholder relationships, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
EMA Excellence in Business Small Business Award
Winner
ONEONESIX
Finalists
North Interiors, Hello Pickle, Northlam.
Judges comment
The judges were deeply impressed by their evolution from a local project, into a cornerstone of regional creative infrastructure.
This was driven by distributed leadership and an extraordinary increase in earned commercial revenue that created a self-sustaining financial future that is innovative in the arts sector.
What set ONEONESIX apart was their relationship-led model and operational systems establishing themselves as a widely recognised regional incubator, combining passion for the arts with a deliberate focus on financial resilience, whilst retaining local expertise within the rohe.
The judges look forward to seeing ONEONESIX continue leading financial resilience and shaping Te Tai Tokerau’s creative future, by growing the pie, not just their slice.
Northport Excellence in Business – Medium Business Award
Winner
Flood Roofing Limited
Finalist
Integrated Electrical & Solar
Judges comment
The judges were immensely impressed with a business that a few years ago had
identified its limitations, educated themselves on how to improve and significantly
change the business. They have developed systems and technology that has improved
internal operational efficiency and profitability and is a tool the customer can interact
with to assist them with identifying their needs and scope of the job. This has resulted
in significant growth within the business over the past 3 years in an industry that has
faced a challenging business environment.
The judges are excited to see where the use of the learnings and technology will take
this business in the future
Visual Technology Northland Excellence in Business Large Business Award
Winner
Donovan Group
Finalist
Hubands Energy, NorthAble Matapuna Hauora
Judges comment
Donovan Group exemplifies the innovation, ambition and resilience that define Northland business excellence. From its Whangarei foundations, the company has grown into a technology-enabled construction solutions leader, successfully combining engineering expertise, advanced manufacturing and proprietary software to create market-leading products with both national and international reach.
The judges were particularly impressed by the organisation’s commitment to innovation, investment in its people, strong values-driven culture and ability to continually evolve while remaining true to its Northland roots. Through visionary leadership and a focus on creating exceptional customer outcomes, Donovan Group continues to set the benchmark for sustainable growth and industry leadership.
SPECIALIST CATEGORIES
WorkSafe Work Health & Safety Award
Winner
Donovan Group
Finalists
Greenways Trust
Judges comment
The judges were impressed by Donovan Group’s innovative and proactive approach to improving health and safety, particularly their strong focus on worker engagement and involvement throughout the initiative. Supported by strong leadership and the effective use of technology, the initiative demonstrated clear commitment to risk management, cultural improvement, and safety practices that can be transferred well beyond their own business.
What set Donovan Group apart was not only the quality of the initiative itself, but the maturity of their approach to continuous improvement. The organisation has shown a genuine commitment to learning from past challenges and using those experiences to drive meaningful change. The result is a practical and influential initiative that has strengthened safety outcomes within their business while providing an example that others across industry can learn from.
Creative Northland Excellence in Creative Industries Award
Winner
WADPA
Finalists
Kiwi North – Whangārei Museum & Heritage Park, ONEONESIX
Judges comment
WADPA demonstrates how a creative organisation can be both artistically ambitious and commercially sustainable. Through its multidisciplinary performing arts academy and major regional productions, it generates earned revenue while training, employing and creating pathways for local creative talent. Recognising WAPDA signals that Northland’s creative businesses can deliver cultural impact, develop a skilled workforce and contribute meaningfully to the regional economy.
Northland NZ – Jeroen Jongejans Innovate Northland Award
Winner
North Interiors
Finalists
Flood Roofing Limited, INSITEPRO, XEBO
Judges comment
The judges were impressed by North Interiors’ practical and independently developed response to a genuine business challenge. NorthApps brings together job tracking, supply-chain visibility and inventory management in a way that has delivered measurable productivity benefits, while also offering strong potential for application beyond the business. The development journey demonstrated resourcefulness, disciplined problem-solving and a clear understanding of how technology can improve day-to-day operations. What ultimately set North Interiors apart was the combination of practical impact, measurable benefit and future potential. The judges look forward to seeing NorthApps continue to develop and create value for other businesses and sectors.
Northland Regional Council Excellence in Sustainability and Climate Action Award
Winner
Wild West Gourmet
Finalists
Peekaboo Backyard Eatery, Wild West Gourmet, Studio 412 Hair Design
Judges comment
“Toitū te whenua, whatungarongaro te tangata.” The land remains while people come and go.
The judges were impressed by Wild West Gourmet’s comprehensive and highly integrated approach to sustainability across all aspects of the business. The application demonstrated a strong commitment to environmental, social and economic outcomes, with practical initiatives spanning renewable energy, low-emissions transport, water management, waste reduction and regenerative land management. Rather than focusing on a single project, sustainability is clearly embedded in the way the business operates and plans for the future.
What set them apart was their ability to connect sustainability with long-term business resilience. Through thoughtful investment and a commitment to continuous improvement, Wild West Gourmet has shown how practical action can strengthen both business viability and positive environmental outcomes. They are a strong example of how small businesses can deliver meaningful impact through innovation, authenticity and long-term thinking.
One NZ Best Digital Adaptation Award
Winner
Criminal Defence Investigations New Zealand
Finalists
North Interiors, Scope-Total Project Partners, IT Live
Judges comment
We were impressed by CDINZ’s innovative approach to digital transformation, developing a purpose-built case management platform that has fundamentally changed how complex investigations are managed. By combining smart automation and AI with professional judgement, CDINZ has improved efficiency, consistency and access to critical case information.
What set CDINZ apart was that they did not simply adopt existing technology. They identified a genuine industry challenge and built their own solution, enabling the business to scale while maintaining the quality and integrity of its investigative work.
I look forward to seeing the continued impact of this Northland-grown innovation
WRMK Employer of the Year
Winner
Greenways Trust
Finalists
Hello Pickle, Peekaboo Backyard Eatery.
Judges comment
WRMK Lawyers is proud to announce Greenways Trust as its Employer of the Year for 2026. The judges were impressed by the Trust’s dedication to fostering inclusion and support within their Greenways whānau. It was clear to the judges that they make a real effort to upskill and develop their staff, while offering unique initiatives to encourage involvement and connection. They stood out for their commitment to community, both within the workplace and outside of it. We’re excited to see how they grow in future.
Business Coaching New Zealand Voucher
Winner
Northland Mobile Windscreens Limited
Judges comment
Vicki and Terry from Business Coaching New Zealand are proud of the quality of the winner this year and look forward to working alongside them in preparation for the 2027 awards
NOMINATION CATEGORIES
More FM Customer Choice Award
Winner
Hello Pickle
Finalists
Hubands Energy, Grand Thai & Indian Restaurant.
Customer Comments reflected.
Hello Pickle received an overwhelming number of votes from customers, and for the second year in a row, it’s clear Whangārei has a lot of love for this local favourite.
From their great coffee and delicious handmade kai to their friendly service and unmistakable personality, Hello Pickle continues to make every visit feel like more than just a coffee stop. And how could you not love their witty, hilarious and often very relatable social media posts? They’ve built a loyal following both in-store and online, and their customers clearly think they’re pretty special!
Ministry of Social Development He Poutama Taitamariki Award (Youth Employee and Employer of the Year Award)
Winner
Employee – Nike Rosenthal
Employer – Roof Bay of Islands Ltd
Finalist
Employee – Steven Hill
Employer – Genera Biosecurity Ltd, Marsden Point
Panel comments – Nike has demonstrated outstanding personal and professional growth, emerging as an extraordinary employee and community contributor through her dual role as Roof Flashing Assistant and Receptionist at ROOF Bay of Islands. As a young mother entering a traditionally male-dominated industry with no prior experience, she has shown courage, adaptability, and a strong willingness to learn.
Employment has provided stability and confidence while enabling her to give back to her whānau and community through a range of projects, from using her practical skills to manufacture and fit roof flashings for her whānau marae, to managing media and communications campaigns for ROOF BOI sustainability initiatives and community projects that support local families in need.
ROOF BOI’s flexible, family-friendly approach has provided Nike with an exceptional foundation to balance parenthood and career development. The organisation has created an environment that has enabled her to flourish, develop both practical
The Northern Advocate Business Hall of Fame Inductee
Inductee Wally Yovich (Posthumus)
