A company founded in Te Kūiti in 1947 – which has gone on to become New Zealand’s largest independent fuel supplier – has made five of 10 finals on offer in the Waikato Chamber of Commerce Business Awards.
Waitomo Group was named finalists in the Business Growth & Strategy, Innovation, Marketing, Sustainability and People & Culture awards at an invitation-only event in Hamilton tonight.
The finalists are announced.
Head judge Heather Connolly said the awards empower business and recognise excellence.
“The panel of 32 judges were very impressed with the quality of the finalists and the number of entries this year,” Connolly said.
“We had a record number of entries – 88 in fact, up from 76 last year, which is a great illustration of just how much value entrants get from being part of the judging process. The calibre of entrants was excellent and it’s always encouraging to see businesses enter for the first time.
“As judges it’s a privilege to have the opportunity to find out more about each entrant and what makes that business special.”
Head judge Heather Connolly, who was MC for the evening, introduces chair Vicky McLennan of Trust Waikato – sponsors of the For Purpose award – to present the finalists
Chamber marketing and events manager Rebecca Aston said this year’s awards dinner is going to be the biggest yet.
“We were at capacity in the space we previously held the gala event at Claudelands so this year we’re thrilled to be holding it in the GloboxArena where we can host 200 more people.”
The gala dinner will be held at Claudelands Event Centre on November 15.
Desmond Ormsby founded Waitomo in Te Kūiti 77 years ago.
During this time Waitomo has been run by three generations of the Ormsby family, with a period of joint ownership with Mobil Oil New Zealand, before reverting to 100-percent family ownership in 2003.
Jimmy Ormsby who joined the team in 2003, now owns the firm.
List of finalists
Business Growth & Strategy Award
Cater Plus, Pure Lighting, Wade Group, Waitomo Group
Community Contribution Award
Hamilton Multicultural Services Trust, Kora, Ninja Valley
For Purpose Award
Hamilton Multicultural Services Trust, The Cake Detective Charitable Trust, Wild Bamboo
Innovation Award
Vertex Engineers, Waikato Milking Systems, Waitomo Group Ltd
Marketing Award
Gallagher Animal Management, Hobbiton Movie Set, Rabobank, Waitomo Group
People & Culture Award
Livingstone Building, Longveld Limited, Pure Lighting, Waitomo Group Ltd
Service Excellence Award
Connect Health, Groundcover Landscaping, Whites Powersports
Small Business of the Year Award
Brainchild, Confinement Escape Rooms Hamilton, Stapleton Consulting
Sustainability Award
Pact Steel Limited, Restore Native, Waikato Regional Airport, Waitomo Group
Emerging Leader of the Year finalists
Ashley Mason, Claire Williamson, Jonty Rae
Waikato Business Awards finalist Claire Williamson.
