Wānaka’s not-for-profit community enterprise Wastebusters was announced the supreme winner of the Wānaka Business Excellence Awards at a gala dinner at Rippon Vineyard last night (Saturday, November 9).

In addition to securing the top award, the zero waste hub won the Community Contribution Award and the Business Sustainability & Environmental Impact Award, recognising its commitment to environmental and social impact.

A record 67 entries were received for the awards hosted by the Wānaka Business Chamber.

“The record number of entries this year highlights the determination of our business community to not only survive but thrive in tough times,” Wānaka Business Chamber general manager Glenn Peat said.

“We’re proud to recognise and support these businesses that continue to contribute to the strength of our community.”

Despite a challenging year marked by reduced visitor numbers, rising operational costs, and the lasting impacts of post-COVID economic pressures, the resilience and innovation of the Wānaka business community shone through, Glenn said.

An outstanding business commendation award was presented to rock supplier Wānaka Stone in recognition of its dedication to quality craftsmanship and significant contribution to the local building and design industry.

“Wānaka Stone stood out for their leadership in the industry, their innovative solutions, and their dedication to not only their craft but to supporting their employees,” convenor of judges Lynley Lischner said.

“Their commitment to training, career development, and creating pathways for growth sets a remarkable standard for businesses overall.”

Just under 1500 votes were cast via the Wānaka App for the People’s Choice Award which was won by Architecture + Design Library, a shared resource for design professionals and anyone building or renovating.

Architecture + Design Library won the People’s Choice Award, donating its $500 prize to the charity Food for Love.

“It was fantastic to see the community rally behind their favourite local businesses,” Glenn said.

The Wānaka App was announced as the Excellence in Professional Services Award winner. Director Tony O’Regan said the award reflected a highly engaged community that has a thirst for local news and information.

“Being part of the fabric of our community motivates us,” Tony said.

The Wānaka App won the Excellence in Professional Services Award. 

“Local news and information is so important to our community's well-being and we are grateful to have that recognised.”

The category winners and finalists:

Excellence in Customer Experience – Supported by Drive Accounting

• Finalists: Mitre 10 Mega Wānaka, The Next Chapter, Wastebusters
• Winner: Mitre 10 Mega Wānaka

Excellence in Visitor Experience – Supported by Lake Wānaka Tourism

• Finalists: Bike Glendhu, nzbiketrails, Wānaka Helicopters Group
• Winner: Bike Glendhu

Excellence in Trade & Industrial Sector – Supported by Findex

• Finalists: Architecture + Design Library, Wānaka Solar, Wānaka Stone
• Winner: Wānaka Stone

Excellence in Primary & Consumer Goods – Supported by Cardrona and Treble Cone

• Finalists: Balance Me, Rippon, Sidekick Soda
• Winner: Rippon

Excellence in Professional Services – Supported by Aspiring Law

• Finalists: Constructive Consultants, Greenhawk Chartered Accountants, Mike Pero Mortgages Wānaka and Queenstown, Schistrockmedia (Wānaka App)
• Winner: Schistrockmedia (Wānaka App)

Community Contribution Award – Supported by Queenstown Airport

• Finalists: Food for Love, Wānaka Golf Club, Wastebusters
• Winner: Wastebusters

Strategy, Innovation & Business Solutions Award – Supported by Batchelar McDougall Consulting

• Finalists: Architecture + Design Library, Bike Glendhu, Fluid Visual Communications
• Winner: Fluid Visual Communications

Best Emerging Business Award – Supported by Air New Zealand

• Finalists: Green Fox, nzbiketrails
• Winner: Green Fox

Business Sustainability & Environmental Impact Award – Supported by Queenstown Lakes District Council

• Finalists: Green Fox, Greenhawk Chartered Accountants, Wastebusters
• Winner: Wastebusters

Employer of the Year Award – Supported by EASI NZ

• Finalists: Greenhawk Chartered Accountants, Mitre 10 Mega Wānaka, Wānaka Stone
• Winner: Mitre 10 Mega Wānaka

People’s Choice Award – Supported by Wānaka App

• Winner: Architecture + Design Library

Judges Outstanding Business Commendation Award

• Winner: Wānaka Stone

Supreme Award – Supported by Milford Asset Management

• Winner: Wastebusters

The Wānaka Business Excellence Awards are supported by Milford Asset Management, and media partner, the Wānaka App.

PHOTOS: Sarginson Photography