The Spark Business Hub Wairarapa Awards 2024

This year, Business Wairarapa hosts the Spark Business Hub Wairarapa Awards dinner at Matahiwi Winery on Thursday, 14 November.

The Spark Business Hub Wairarapa Awards is an opportunity for local businesses and organisations, whether they are a start-up or have a long history, to share their stories, celebrate their success and gain recognition for their brand, team and stakeholders.

Entered businesses and individuals from a total of nine categories stand to win the night, with all winners competing for the overall Trust House SUPREME Award 2024. 

GUEST MC – HILARY BARRY: This year’s MC will be none other than one of the most recognisable and popular faces on New Zealand television, Hilary Barry. Beginning her career right here in beautiful Wairarapa, Hilary was worked for radio 89.3 TODAY FM (now More FM Wairarapa), before moving to RNZ in the Masterton office to report on everything from deviant behavior to the local shearing competition. Hilary is sure to be an exceptional and memorable Master of Ceremonies for the 2024 Gala Dinner.

Tickets SOLD OUT quickly last year – be sure to book yours early!

When: Thursday 14 November 6.30pm – 10.30pm

Where: Matahiwi Winery

Tickets: $180.00 pp – Tables of ten $1800.00

Ticket includes canapés, a two-course meal, beverages and entertainment.

AND THE FINALISTS ARE:

A total of 27 businesses have been selected across nine categories, each exemplifying the innovation, dedication and community spirit that defines our region’s vibrant business landscape.

Business Wairarapa Chair Marie-Claire Andrews stated: “The Spark Business Hub Wairarapa Awards has become the pinnacle of business achievement and entrepreneurship in our region. This year’s entries represent another diverse and impressive array of enterprises, making the judges’ task more difficult than ever.”

With over 75 submissions, the 2024 Awards have once again broken previous records. From well-established enterprises to emerging innovators, the 2024 Finalists are:

For the Gibson Sheat TEAM Award, recognising outstanding service to the community and investment in people:

• Aunt Ginger’s Kitchen
• Madison Lincoln Hair & Nails
• My Trucking

Harcourts Hamill Realty INNOVATION Award, celebrating trailblazers in new ideas and products:

• Farman Turkington Forestry
• Fernglen Farm
• Moving Portraits

Business Wairarapa DIVERSIFICATION Award, honouring businesses that have successfully pivoted and adapted:

• Molewood Orchard
• Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre
• Tora Coastal Walk

Kahungunu ki Wairarapa PAKIHI MĀORI Award, acknowledging significant contributions to Māori enterprise:

• Muri Aroha
• Pipiri Consulting
• Te Aka Manawa Motuhake Tapuhi Ltd

Kloeg Family Collective EXPERIENCE Award, highlighting exceptional customer experiences:

• Clareville Nursery & Garden Centre
• Go Zone
• Martinborough Pharmacy

Masterton Trust Lands Trust NOT-FOR-PROFIT Award, recognising invaluable community contributions:

• Featherston Community Centre
• Te Awhina Community Hub
• WaiWaster Food Recue

Tranzit VIBRANT Award, celebrating leaders in Wairarapa’s hospitality and tourism sector:

• Pūkaha Garden Tour
• South Wairarapa Rotary – Martinborough Fair
• Wairarapa Balloon Festival

WBS EMERGING Award, showcasing the region’s brightest new businesses:

• Be Happy Chocolate
• Digital Cactus
• Shotz Coffee – The Rad Pad & The Coffee Bach

Mayoral Taskforce for Jobs, Youth2Work Wairarapa YOUTH-FRIENDLY Award, recognizing commitment to youth development:

• Braiden International Ltd
• Scotty’s Meats
• Fresh Choice Greytown