Entries have closed for the 2026 Nelson Tasan Chamber of Commerce Business Awards, with 41 entries putting their names forward for recognition and finalists set to be announced in the coming weeks.
While the total falls just short of last year’s record, chamber chief executive Ali Boswijk says the continued interest is an encouraging sign, particularly given the number of smaller businesses entering this year.
“It is a really good trend to see more businesses getting involved with the awards.”
The awards celebrate business success across the region, recognising excellence in everything from emerging enterprises to established operations making a difference in their industries and communities.
This year’s entries reflect a broad cross-section of the local business landscape, with a notable lift in start-ups putting themselves forward.
“We always have a strong contingent of medium businesses apply, but this year we have a good number of small and start-up businesses. It is great to see them entering and growing in confidence in that area.”
The award categories remain unchanged, spanning Start Up, Medium and Large Business, Young Business Leader, Community Impact and Innovative Business, with the Supreme Award recognising the overall winner.
One significant difference this year is the introduction of a finalist process, adding another stage to the judging before the winners are revealed.
Returning judges Ali Boswijk, Lester Binns and Paul Mackay are joined by two new faces: Peter Pattullo, previous owner of the Smokehouse and Flightpath Honey, and Nikki Neate, general manager of Sublime Coffee.
“With a strong field of entries to assess, the judging panel has its work cut out determining who will be taking home an award on awards night.”
The finalists will be announced in the coming weeks, ahead of the awards evening on 26 February, 2027.
