Central Otago residents who have ''set the standard'' in business, in leadership and in serving their community will be celebrated at a function in Roxburgh next month.
Finalists for the Central Otago awards were announced recently and district council Central Otago brand manager Shirley Howden said the judges ''will have their work cut out''.
''The calibre of the nominees is particularly high. This group of people have shown innovation and really set the standard.''
The awards have been a stand-alone event since 2006. This year's business excellence finalists are Breen Construction Ltd, BTW South Ltd, Closeburn Station and Pioneer Generation.
The award acknowledged businesses that demonstrated sustained success and were recognised as leaders by their peers, Ms Howden said.
''It was encouraging to see that people within Central Otago are wanting to review their business and assess them and we've got a wide cross-section represented.''
The judges for the business excellence and the apprenticeship awards are John Scandrett, Pat Garden, Jean Tilleyshort and Tara Druce. Paul Duncan, of Davis Auto Electrical, and Ryan Bain, of Robb's Garage, are the finalists for the apprentice award, which is aimed at promoting outstanding training and the personal achievements of apprentices working in any industry.
Central Otago Mayor Tony Lepper, Stephen Jeffery, Clair Higginson, Hilary Allison and John Angus are judging the youth and community service award categories.
The finalists for the youth award are James Botting, of Roxburgh, Paige Richmond, of Alexandra, and Meghan Scanlan, of Roxburgh. Ms Howden said the award recognised young people, aged between 13 and 20, who showed outstanding leadership in their particular field of interest, separate to school activities.
Community Service Award recipients are Ella Davidson, of Roxburgh, Kath Thomas. of Naseby, and Helena Heydelaar, Maureen Davis, Russell Fawcett and Russell Lambeth. all of Alexandra.
The winners will be announced at the ceremony on Friday, September 13. Guest speaker is New Zealand Breakers' general manager Richard Clarke.
