For Immediate Release
24 February 2003
Last Chance To Nominate Top Businesses
Wellington Region Gold Awards
Wellingtonians have until the end of February to nominate the businesses they believe make the most significant
contribution to the Wellington region. Nominations for the fifth Wellington Region Gold Awards for Enterprise and
Excellence close on 28 February.
The awards recognise and celebrate the vibrancy and dynamism of the Wellington region, says Westpac’s Business Banking
general manager Bruce McLachlan. Westpac is a sponsor for the 2003 Gold Awards.
The Wellington Region Gold Awards are an opportunity for achievements to be assessed outside specific industries, before
the regional business community, he says. “The awards encourage, cross-pollinate and recognise best practice,
excellence, innovation, and sheer hard work. The awards raise the bar across all aspects of business, and provide a
benchmark for brilliance in business,” McLachlan said.
For the 2003 awards there are eight categories, ranging from infrastructure, manufacturing, ICT and scientific
achievement, to professional, creative, event, and emerging industries. “For each of the categories, the emphasis is on
the economic benefit created for the region, not size, profit or job generation. Anyone can nominate a business they
think deserves the recognition from the awards. Nominations can be by email or phone.”
Nominations are evaluated by an Electoral College of regional business and community leaders to determine the finalists.
The winners will be announced on 15 May at a formal function at the Wellington Town Hall. “Past participants have found
the feedback from judges very constructive, and have also noted the gala function provides networking opportunities for
raising their business profile. Winning has opened doors to enable expansion into new business and markets, and resulted
in improved financial performance – it is also a great boost to staff morale.”
Westpac, a category sponsor for the 2003 Gold Awards, sponsors regional business awards from Northland to Otago, as well
as other national industry competitions including awards in tourism, technology and agriculture. Westpac won the Solid
Gold award in the inaugural Gold Awards in 1999, for its commitment to the region through investment, expansion and
retention.
“Regional business growth is the lifeblood of the economy,” says Bruce McLachlan. “A strong Wellington region means a
better life and standard of living for all New Zealanders.”
ENDS