Pan Pac Hawke’s Bay Business Awards – Celebrating local success

Held at Functions on Hastings, Toitoi and presented by the Hawke’s Bay Chamber of Commerce, the annual Pan Pac Hawke’s Bay Business Awards celebrate resilience, community connections, innovation, tourism, leadership, emerging business, and sustainability.

The atmosphere of the awards dinner was warm and welcoming with handmade origami swans and greenery, designed by local event stylist Suzanne Beaumont from Miss Frou Frou.

Despite current restrictions, organisers determined that Hawke’s Bay deserved an in-person event, and while there were layers of difficulty, it was well worth it to hold the event in person.

Young Enterprise East Coast Company of the Year for 2021, Kind Light, pitched their innovative, sustainable fire starter on the night. These rangatahi did an incredible job in front of a room full of business professionals and should be commended for their courage and hard work. Kind Light will be representing the East Coast region at the YES National Awards in December – this start-up is one to watch!

Thank you to all the businesses who entered the Pan Pac Hawke’s Bay Business Awards this year. With so many high-quality applications, the judging process was competitive. Join us in congratulating the winners of each category and the Supreme Award Winner for 2021.

Hastings Like a Big City, But Better, Best Emerging Business

Te Wai Mauri

The judges were impressed with the organisation, passion, and knowledge demonstrated by the team at Te Wai Mauri. As a 12-month-old start-up, the business showed it had built an excellent platform to continue developing from, with expansion plans already in motion. The value provided back to the local Waiohiki community and Iwi/Marae structure was impressive and is gaining momentum.

NZME, Outstanding Community Contribution

PAK’nSAVE Tamatea

As a significant employer in Hawke’s Bay, PAK’nSAVE Tamatea feels responsible for serving its local community. The business gives back through a range of sponsorship initiatives such as children’s sport; sponsorship of schools; Hohepa Hawke’s Bay; Art Deco Festival Napier; supporting school careers programmes; and supplying food to the Napier Community Foodbank.

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, Excellence in Sustainability

Hapī Ora

Hapī has worked hard since establishing in 2015 to minimise waste, implementing a vast range of sustainable practices, including utilising reusable glass or compostable packaging for all products. They work directly with local suppliers to create closed-loop supply chains; return packaging to suppliers for reuse; and focus on only generating waste that is recyclable or compostable. In addition, Hapī has established a maara kai (food garden) to secure their supply of organic, locally grown produce.

EIT, Excellence in Innovation

Brands.co.nz

Brands received this award in recognition of their successful transformation into one of New Zealand’s leading e-commerce platforms. The business leverages emerging technology, centred on customer experience, and has created a culture of innovation throughout its business.

Hawke’s Bay Tourism, Ultimate Visitor Experience

Birdwoods Café and Gallery

Customer experience is at the forefront for Birdwoods. The energy, passion, and enthusiasm from all involved were evident throughout the judging process. The Birdwoods team is to be highly commended for the fantastic customer-centric business they have created.

Napier City Council, Leader of the Year

Dr. Mark Peterson

Pan Pac Supreme Award

Brands.co.nz

The highly anticipated Supreme Award Winner for 2021 is Brands.co.nz. This award recognises Brands’ sustainable business growth and performance, promoting a culture of care and engagement with staff and the local community while building one of New Zealand’s leading e-Commerce platforms.