Last Chance To Nominate Top Businesses

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

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