The company faced strong competition from the 50 entries, with finalists and winners making a big leap in overall quality in the last two years, said senior judge adviser Pauline Rose.
The black-tie awards ceremony at Whangārei’s McKay Stadium brought together 356 guests from around the region to recognise the achievements, ambition and resilience of businesses and individuals from Tai Tokerau.
NorthChamber interim chief executive Tim Robinson said the awards gave an important opportunity to celebrate exceptional local businesses.
“Our winners set high standards and show others across Northland what is possible,” he said.
“Business is not for the faint-hearted, and we are immensely proud of every entrant for stepping forward and contributing to a stronger, more capable and resilient Northland.”
Whangārei-based construction solutions company Donovan Group won the supreme award this year.
Donovan Group also won the Visual Tech Northland Excellence in Business Large Business Award and the WorkSafe Work Health & Safety Award.
It won the top Northland Business Award in 2015 but had developed considerably since then, including expanding into Australia and North America.
Another key winner was Walter “Wally” Yovich, who was posthumously inducted into the Northern Advocate Business Hall of Fame.
At the other end of experience, Nike Rosenthal and her employer, Roof Bay of Islands, won the Ministry of Social Development He Poutama Taitamariki Award (Youth Employee and Employer of the Year Award).
The judges said Rosenthal showed courage, adaptability and a willingness to learn as a young mother entering a traditionally male-dominated industry, with Roof Bay of Islands’ flexible, family-friendly approach enabling her to flourish.
Nike Rosenthal and her employer Roof Bay of Islands won the youth employee and employer of the year award.
Whangārei cafe Hello Pickle won the More FM Customer Choice Award for the second year in a row, with an “overwhelming number of votes” from customers, the judges said.
“From their great coffee and delicious handmade kai to their friendly service and unmistakable personality, Hello Pickle continues to make every visit feel like more than just a coffee stop.”
Artisan sauce and relish company Wild West Gourmet won two awards: the tlc4u2 Excellence in Business Micro Business Award and the Northland Regional Council Excellence in Sustainability and Climate Action Award.
Dargaville-based non-profit Greenways Trust was named WRMK Employer of the Year, with the judges impressed by the trust’s dedication to fostering inclusion and support within their Greenways whānau.
The NorthChamber Best Emerging Business Award was awarded to Jansen Flooring.
Wild West Gourmet owners Debbie McQuillan (left) and Graeme Bratty won awards for best micro business and excellence in sustainability.
Whangārei community performance space OneOneSix won the EMA Excellence in Business Small Business Award.
Kerikeri company Flood Roofing won the Northport Excellence in Business – Medium Business Award.
WADPA (Whangārei Academy of Dance and Performing Arts) won the Creative Northland Excellence in Creative Industries Award.
The Northland NZ – Jeroen Jongejans Innovate Northland Award was awarded to North Interiors for its innovation, NorthApps, which could have application beyond the business.
The One NZ Best Digital Adaptation Award went to Criminal Defence Investigations New Zealand for its purpose-built case management platform.
The Business Coaching New Zealand Voucher was awarded to Northland Mobile Windscreens for help with its 2027 awards entry.
Denise Piper is a news reporter for the Northern Advocate, focusing on health and business. She has more than 20 years in journalism and is passionate about covering stories that make a difference.