And your 2025 Spark Business Hub Wairarapa award winners are...

The Gibson Sheat TEAM Award

Recognising outstanding service to the community and investment in people:

Cartel Food Co

Cartel Food Company impresses with innovative staff wellbeing initiatives,   such as flexible working arrangements, free lunches, and a commitment to diverse employment, creating a strong, supportive workplace culture. The judges noted notable achievements like significant growth and high industry ranking, as well as visionary plans for expansion and exemplary community involvement

Photo credits – Lucia Zanmonti Photography

Harcourts Hamill Realty INNOVATION Award, 

Celebrating trailblazers in new ideas and products:

Selina Sutherland Hospital

Selina Sutherland Hospital stands out as a highly innovative and community-focused health service provider, offering “big city” private healthcare in the Wairarapa region. Its forward-thinking adoption of AI and telehealth, ambitious expansion plans, and deep alignment with community needs were highlighted by the judges as transformational for local healthcare.

Photo credits – Lucia Zanmonti Photography

Farm Focus DIVERSIFICATION Award

Honouring businesses that have successfully pivoted and adapted:

 Rewa Rewa Station

Rewa Rewa Station is celebrated for its role-model diversification through agri-tourism, value-added offerings, and collaborative innovation within a traditionally challenged sector. Judges observed remarkable milestones, sustainable growth strategies through to 2030, and an inspiring commitment to resilience and leadership in rural enterprise.

Photo credits – Lucia Zanmonti Photography

Kahungunu ki Wairarapa PAKIHI MĀORI Award

Acknowledging significant contributions to Māori enterprise:

Inspire Living/ Whakaohooho

Inspire Living Whakaohooho is recognised as an outstanding, purpose-led Māori enterprise strongly committed to uplifting both its people and the wider community through staff development, training, and visible community support. The judges commended its remarkable growth from small beginnings, inspirational vision for future impact, and leadership grounded in kaupapa Māori values.

Photo credits – Lucia Zanmonti Photography

Kloeg Family Collective EXPERIENCE Award, 

Highlighting exceptional customer experiences:

The Offering

The Offering is recognised for its unwavering commitment to customer, staff, and community experiences, with innovative food concepts and strong regional presence across three sites. The business’s achievements include charitable support, creative events, and recognition in national hospitality competitions. Judges commended The Offering’s focus on being great employers, customer centricity, and ongoing growth through new ventures and menu evolution.

Photo credits – Lucia Zanmonti Photography

Masterton Trust Lands Trust NOT-FOR-PROFIT Award

Recognising invaluable community contributions:

Wairarapa Cancer Society

Wairarapa Cancer Society is an outstanding, high-profile organisation delivering essential advocacy, care, and support to those affected by cancer across the region. This small but dedicated team provides far-reaching community impact—from counselling and prevention to creative, large-scale fundraisers like Relay for Life. Judges praised the Society’s massive impact, remarkable achievements in service delivery, and thoughtful, practical plans for future growth and resilience.

Photo credits – Lucia Zanmonti Photography

Tranzit VIBRANT Award

Celebrating leaders in Wairarapa’s hospitality and tourism sector:

Carterton Daffodil Festival

The Daffodil Festival is a flagship Carterton event, uniting the region with vibrant colour and community spirit year after year. The addition of the Art Festival has amplified its appeal, increasing tourism and engagement while strengthening Carterton’s identity as an events destination. Judges praised future-focused sustainability initiatives, education efforts, and the festival’s evolution into a proud local tradition.

Photo credits – Lucia Zanmonti Photography

WBS EMERGING Award

Showcasing the region’s brightest new businesses:

Tararua Construction Management Tararua Construction Management leads as a strong company in a challenging sector, building a stellar local reputation through successful and unique projects. The business is praised for enabling vibrant spaces and landmark builds, demonstrating a positive impact and potential for future growth. Judges emphasised its local leadership, positive client testimonials, and adaptability amid economic uncertainty. Photo credits – Lucia Zanmonti Photography

THE FARMAN TURKINGTON FORESTRY SUPREME WINNER 

The ultimate accolade, presented to the standout business among all category winners

Rewa Rewa Station

Photo credits – Lucia Zanmonti Photography

2025 Spark Business Hub Awards - GALLERY

Photo credits - Dion Howard - The Amazing travelling photo booth
To view the full dropbox folder of all photobooth images CLICK HERE. Please note you have 30 days to download your images.
Photo credits - David Le Photography
To view David Le’s full gallery from the awards CLICK HERE

LUCIA ZANMOTI PHOTOGRAPGY

Photo credits - Lucia Zanmonti
To view Lucia full gallery from the awards CLICK HERE

Want to be on our directory?

Work with us

Give us a call on 027 787 2997 or CONTACT US

Business Wairarapa works from the following co-working
hubs in Wairarapa:

3Mile, Main Street, Carterton
51 Jellicoe Street, Martinborough

PO Box 868, Masterton, 5840

Contact – TeAta Hawkins | Operations and Events Manager BW

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