The 2025 Northpower and Top Energy Northland Business Excellence Awards raised the bar, delivering the strongest results across all metrics since pre-2020, with a record number of entrants and guests and outstanding feedback from entrants, stakeholders and supporters.
Business advisor Ken Wilson, a long-time Chamber contributor, former board member and Awards judge, and current NZME Northern Advocate Business Hall of Fame panelist, described it as the best Awards he has attended.
“McKay Stadium was packed full on awards night. The positivity, connectedness and energy in the room was palpable. We could argue it was a biased sample, but there was more than ample evidence that our region is alive and well when it comes to business innovation and leadership.”
Head of NorthChamber Community Engagement Paulette Scrooby says the Awards continue to be a powerful opportunity for businesses to take stock and strengthen for what’s ahead.
“The business landscape remains tough. Our new norm over the last six years seems to be at the more challenging end of the scale, and our businesses keep showing up. The Awards entry process is an opportunity to review your business with support and guidance. We are so proud every year of our entrants who undergo this rigorous benchmarking process, and I really hope this year will be no different.”
With 16 categories, the Awards offer opportunities for emerging businesses through to large or specialist organisations to get involved.
NorthChamber also acknowledges its loyal sponsor lineup, many of whom have backed the Awards for years—supporting the kaupapa, building local capability, and celebrating exceptional local businesses and people. NorthChamber is pleased to welcome WorkSafe to the sponsor team for 2026 as Workplace Injury Prevention award sponsors.
For Awards enquiries, or to book a one-on-one chat with the Awards Coaching team, call Paulette on 021 212 6903 or email comms@northchamber.co.nz.
