New categories for region’s business excellence awards

Record entries are expected for the 2025 Southland Business Excellence Awards.

The Southland Chamber of Commerce chief executive Sheree Carey said they had already received entries for the awards, for which Datagrid had secured the 2025 naming rights.

Entries have moved from a paper-based system to an online system, which saved and updated as the work was entered.

The Reece McDonald Local Legends Award and the Healthy Families Local Food Champion Award are two new awards this year.

The Reece McDonald Local Legend Award honours the legacy of former Southland Business Chamber board president Reece McDonald by recognising a business owner who exemplified outstanding community spirit.

"It’s going to be a people’s choice award ... [and] an online vote rather than the normal judging panel, because we think the community should pick who they think is making an impact in the community," Mrs Carey said.

The award celebrates those who actively contribute to Southland’s betterment through initiatives such as supporting local sports teams, fundraisers, community organisations, and other projects that foster social good

The Healthy Families Local Food Champion Award recognises business that uplift and strengthen Murihiku’s local food system.

"We’re really excited to have Healthy Families involved this year," Mrs Carey said.

"People can nominate someone in the community they think is supporting the local food suppliers and producers."

All the winners will be announced at a gala dinner on September 19.

Mrs Carey said the awards were the premier event on Southland’s business calendar.

"It’s a great way to showcase how well our businesses are doing.

"Southland business are traditionally quite modest and I like to shout out about how well they’re doing.

"We all know, if you look at the economic data, nationally, that Southland is doing better than any other region.

"So the businesses within that need to be telling their stories and using this as an avenue to be able to promote what they are doing — and it’s good for staff morale."

Further award categories include:

•Primary industry excellence

•Trade industries

•Consumer services

•Professional services

•Not for profit

Specialist recognition award categories include:

•New and emerging

•Workplace safety

•Workplace wellbeing and innovation award

Individual achievement categories include:

•Individual excellence in export