The heart of Hamilton central city buzzed with excitement this week as the CBD Awards 2024 transformed 18 London Street, currently being developed by Stark Properties, into an impressive venue of celebration of the local business community.
Vetro Mediterranean
With a record number of entries this year, the event showcased the high calibre of businesses that make our central city truly shine.
General manager Vanessa Williams said it was incredibly exciting to provide an evening of recognition and celebration with the CBD Awards.
“This event is a testament to the resilience and perseverance of our local businesses, and we are proud to play a part in celebrating them!”
For the sixth consecutive year, Spark Business has demonstrated its steadfast support for the CBD Awards, reinforcing its commitment to the local business community.
“We believe in the power of local businesses to drive innovation and economic growth,” said Spark Operations manager, Fabian Pathirana.
“By supporting the CBD Awards, we are proud to champion the outstanding work that local businesses are doing to make a positive impact in our city.”
MediaWorks also returned as a supporter this year, reinforcing their dedication to the local business landscape.
“We’re proud to stand alongside our community’s entrepreneurs,” a MediaWorks spokesperson shared.
“The CBD Awards not only celebrate hard earned achievements but also provide inspiration for future business leaders.”
The venue for the evening provided breathtaking 360-degree views of the city and the mighty Waikato River, with the space transformed into a high-end jazz bar, fulfilling the creative vision of the team at Royal Lab.
As guests stepped on the sixth floor of the building, the sultry jazz notes of the Joe Mac Band filled the room while the delicious catering from Dot & Winnies, featuring mouthwatering canapés and butter boards, were offered to attendees.
Local legend Jason Dawson, Regional Affairs manager for Air New Zealand, MCed the night with charm and wit, and anecdotes of his interactions with the central city businesses. The production excellence of SBI Productions kept the event running smoothly, while Moving Media captured the spirit of the evening with gorgeous photography of the attendees and award winners.
This year’s awards featured a panel of 17 esteemed judges who evaluated a remarkable array of entries, with winners receiving unique trophies crafted from the historic breeze blocks of the Founders Theatre foyer. Each piece is a tribute to Hamilton’s vibrant past and a symbol of the bright future of our local businesses.
Alicia Platje Precious Metals and Diamonds.
AWARD WINNERS
ACTIVITY
Winner – Lido Cinema Hamilton
Runner Up – Sip & Sew Workshops
Highly Commended – Fun Zone
CUSTOMER SERVICE
Winner – Confinement Escape Rooms
Runner Up – True Store
Highly Commended – Journey + Co
EAT & DRINK – BARS & RESTAURANTS
Winner – Palate
Runner Up – Mr Pickles Bar & Eatery
Highly Commended – Gothenburg
EAT & DRINK – DAYTIME
Winner – Rüdi’s
Runner Up – Le Rendez-Vous
Highly Commended – The Grumpy Baker
ESTABLISHED BUSINESS
Winner – Precious Metals & Diamonds
HEALTH & BEAUTY
Winner – High Above
Runner Up – The Cosmetic Clinic
Highly Commended – The Skin Spa
INNOVATION
Winner – Exscite
Runner Up – Brainchild
Highly Commended – JH Law
MARKETING & PROMOTION
Winner – JH Law
Runner Up – Confinement Escape Rooms
Highly Commended – Manor Realty
NEW BUSINESS
Winner – Fossick
Runner Up – Rüdi’s
Highly Commended – Wooden Spoon
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE
Winner – BCD Group
Runner Up – Brainchild
Highly Commended – Waikato Regional Council
PUBLIC GOOD
Winner – Dress for Success
Runner Up – Dumpling House
Highly Commended – Waikato Young Professionals
SHOPPING
Winner – True Store
Runner Up – Vetro Mediterranean
Highly Commended – Journey + Co
