West Coast cookie makers, contractors and everyone in between will be celebrated at the prestigious Development West Coast Leading Light Business Excellence Awards next month.

The awards evening is one of the most significant events on the West Coast calendar and has been run by Development West Coast since 2011. It was set up to ensure the region’s successful businesses - and the value of their contributions to the local economy - were appropriately acknowledged.

The awards will be held at Shantytown on October 26, when the winners in each of the eight main categories will be announced followed by the big reveal of the supreme winner.

Development West Coast chief executive Chris Mackenzie says there are a range of categories to recognise businesses large and small, those who are well established, as well as newer organisations, and across varying sectors.

“This is one of the highlights of the year, and I am always so inspired to hear the stories of the people behind these successful businesses. Their contribution to the West Coast is essential and without their collective successes our region would not be growing,” Mr Mackenzie says.

One of the finalists in the Greymouth Star-sponsored Rising Star category is the West Coast Scenic Waterways. Owner Cindy Hopper says being in the mix is a fantastic opportunity.

“Being selected as a finalist for the Leading Light Awards is truly both a humbling and exhilarating experience. Should we be honoured enough to win our section, it will belong to so many dedicated volunteers and organisations that have helped and mentored us all the way,” she says.
In the Duncan Cotterill-sponsored Large Enterprise category, contracting firm Fulton Hogan will be battling for top honours. Network Outcomes Contract (NOC) manager Peter Anderson says the recognition is important for each and every staff member.

“Fulton Hogan and the entire West Coast NOC Team are very excited to be selected as a finalist. We view this as not just an acknowledgement of the nine West Coast companies that comprise the NOC, but most importantly recognition of the approximately 90 local team members who work tirelessly to ensure the West Coast State Highway Network is maintained in the best possible condition.”

The region’s mayors also see the benefits of the Leading Light Awards for the region. Westland District Mayor Bruce Smith says the list of finalists emphasises the region’s exceptional talent, while Garry Howard of the Buller District says the awards are important for celebrating success.

The guest speaker for the awards is internationally recognised thought-leader and keynote speaker Graham Dockrill. The awards will also feature popular TVNZ news anchor Peter Williams as MC.

The full list of finalists is as follows:

NZME Small Enterprise Award:
AgFest West Coast, Em’s Power Cookies, The Beauty Clinic

Crombie Lockwood Medium Enterprise Award:
Coastpak Besgrow, SGS New Zealand Ltd, Vertigo Technologies Ltd

Duncan Cotterill Large Enterprise Award:
Fulton Hogan Limited, Martin and Co Mitre 10 Westport, MBD Contracting Ltd

Christchurch Airport Tourism and Hospitality Award:
Ross Beach Top 10 Holiday Park, Theatre Royal Hotel, West Coast Wildlife Centre

Department of Conservation Environment Awards:
New World Hokitika, The Paparoa Wildlife Trust, WestReef Services Ltd

Westland Milk Products Not for Profit Award:
Tourism West Coast, West Coast Trades Academy, WestREAP

ACC Workplace Safety Award:
Martin and Co Mitre 10 Westport, MBD Contracting Ltd, WestReef Services Ltd

Greymouth Star Rising Star Award:
Mike Greer Homes West Coast Limited, Dragonfly Catering, West Coast Scenic Waterways Retreat

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