Despite lockdown pressures, more than 20 local organisations have entered this year's annual business awards.
Nelson Pine Industries Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce Business Awards celebrates local success across a range of categories, with organisations encouraged to use the entry to tell the story of their business.
2021 will see seven categories for the 32nd edition of the awards.
Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce chief executive, Ali Boswijk, says considering the current climate of uncertainty, the large response of 24 applications was both a positive sign and a relief.
“The last 18 months has been such a volatile time for everyone but trying to operate a business during this time has been extraordinarily stressful.
"We know that some organisations have managed to do really well through this but we had no sense as to how many or whether they would have the time to enter. We’re thrilled.”
The awards were last held in 2019 with NZ King Salmon named Supreme Business Winner.
A new award category was introduced for the first time this year.
The Wakatū Incorporation Environmental Award recognises a programme, project, campaign or an overall business that has had, or continues to have, a positive, long term impact on the Nelson Tasman environment.
Entries are as follows
The Nelson Weekly/Waimea Weekly Start Up Business Award:
Neudorf Black, Nude Kiwi, Ruru Homes and Squarekicker.
NCC/TDC Small Business Award:
Gourmet Catering, Nelson Giants, The Cheesecake Shop, Tizza Design, YUM Granola.
Mediaworks Medium Business Award:
Cutting Edge Signs, Dancing Sands Distillery and Hybrid Bikes.
NZME Large Business Award:
Alaron, Jerram Tocker Barron Architects.
New Zealand King Salmon Community Impact Award:
Chia Sisters, Life Education Trust Nelson/Tasman, Nelson Tasman Cycle Trust, New Zealand Red Cross.
Wakatu Incorporation Environmental Award:
Chia Sisters, Nelson Environment Centre, Nelson Tasman Climate Forum and Tasman Environmental Trust.
Nelson Regional Development Agency Innovative Business Award:
Alaron, Cutting Edge Signs (CUIK), Gourmet Catering, Jerram Tocker Barron Architects, Noologica, New Zealand King Salmon and True Leaf Microgreens.
Ali says that everyone getting through this unstable period deserves self-congratulations and is looking forward to celebrating local business on the night of awards.
“I think it’s going to be a fantastic evening celebrating some of the best businesses in the region. But everyone deserves a pat on the back right now.”
This year’s black tie awards dinner is on Friday 5 November at the Rutherford Hotel.
