Business Awards celebrate local success

Despite what has been a turbulent year for business, the annual Westpac Waikato Business Awards took place on Friday night with the winners celebrating their success among their peers.

Civtec was crowned the overall champion on the night, taking out the Supreme Award along with awards for Business Growth and Strategy and Service Excellence.

Civtec chief executive Pele Tanuvasa attributed the company’s success to its incredible team.

“When we were asked why we entered the awards this year the answer was simple – to recognise the efforts of our entire Civtec whānau spread across the country. Being crowned the Supreme Award winners has done just that. We’re so humbled to receive the award and can’t wait to take the time to celebrate with our team.”

Civtec specialises in telecommunications and utilities infrastructure and has grown from a single person business in 2014 to a team of over 250, operating from offices in Hamilton, Tauranga, New Plymouth and Christchurch.

A strong focus on great customer service and quality delivery is the ethos of the entire Civtec team.

With offices about to open in Horotiu, Civtec is positioned to be a leader in the Waikato business sector for years to come.

“These awards have provided an opportunity for us to take some time out and celebrate, which we often forget to do in the fast paced world we live in.

2020 has been a wild ride and we are looking ahead to 2021 with big aspirations and a very positive future,” Pele said.

Reusable cloth nappy company Bear & Moo also had an impressive night taking home the Air New Zealand People’s Choice Award as well as Micro Business of the Year.

Waikato Chamber of Commerce chief executive Don Good was very pleased with the calibre of contestants.

“Where there’s a crisis there’s opportunity and our world class businesses in the Waikato are remarkably good at making the most out of any opportunity. I think all these winners prove that.”

The Awards were also an opportunity to celebrate titans of the Waikato business sector with three new inductees being welcomed into the Waikato Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame.

The late Arthur Porter was recognised for his achievements in building Porter Group from a contracting company with a single truck, to the world-leader in construction equipment sales and rentals it is today.

The Porter Group have been involved in the development of many significant Waikato landmarks, from the earliest Hamilton subdivisions and the region’s main bridges to major infrastructure projects such as Chartwell Shopping Centre, Frankton Railway marshalling yards and the Te Awamutu Sports Stadium.

The Porter Group’s community involvement extends beyond commercial projects to intensive support for many community organisations.

Arthur Porter embraced a low public profile whilst simultaneously providing financial support for numerous rugby teams, BMX, motocross, motor racing, the Westpac rescue helicopter, Cambridge velodrome, Anzac memorial and various other community endeavours.

The Gallagher brothers, Sir William and Dr John, were also inducted into the Hall of Fame for their family’s success in growing an international empire from the heart of the Waikato.

It is a testament to the strong bond between the brothers that they have worked so seamlessly together for over 60 years.

Sir William Gallagher is a natural leader whose communication and business skills are internationally recognised. His leadership saw the company’s turnover double annually between 1972 and 1976, and his foresight is responsible for the company’s expansion into the security industry.

He has created a work environment that encourages personal ownership and independent thinking. Understanding the value of strong business partner relationships he has never missed a Fieldays.

A qualified fitter and turner from the early days, Dr John Gallagher has demonstrated a continued commitment to building a vibrant and flourishing Waikato community.

John has been an active participant in the community spending time as Deputy Mayor, a Councillor for Hamilton City Council, a Councillor for Waikato Regional Council, the Chancellor of The University of Waikato and many other roles.

His guiding hand is inclusive and has been involved in sports, arts and culture, education and tourism, social development issues – anything that contributes to public well-being.

Together the Gallagher brothers have been heavily involved in the development of many Waikato initiatives including Innovation Park, the Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts, Te Waka, Waikato Stadium, Hamilton Gardens, Habitat for Humanity and many more.

It is thanks to their philanthropic efforts that our community is as prosperous as it is today.

The Business Awards were a time to celebrate the achievements of these leaders in the Waikato community and an opportunity to inspire new faces to rise to the challenge.

“After a tough year for everyone it is great to see so many businesses focussing on their customers, staff and the wider community. Congratulations to the winners and a massive thank you to our sponsors, judges and my Chamber of Commerce team for making tonight possible,” Don said.

A full list of the award winners are as follows:

Not for Profit – Wintec Student Residence Trust

Micro Business of the Year – Bear & Moo

Community Contribution – Hospice Waikato

Business Growth and Strategy – Civtec Ltd

Marketing and Social Media– Good George

Social and Environmental Sustainability – NZ National Fieldays Society

Innovation – MEA Mobile Service Excellence – Civtec Ltd Air New Zealand

People’s Choice – Bear & Moo

Emerging Leader of the Year – Jessica Fearnley (Mitre 10)

CEO of the Year – Mike Jenkins (The Instillery) 

Westpac Waikato Business of the Year – Civtec Ltd

A full list of photos from the Awards are available to purchase from Barker Photography,

https://barkerphotography.photoshelter.com/gallery/2020-Westpac-Waikato-Business-Awards/G0000ZOuhgRY6Wi0/C0000ou0VoMPQ05U