18 October 2013
Winners named in Auckland West business awards
An energy company committed to fuelling community initiatives has won this year’s coveted Westpac Supreme Business
Excellence Award.
Western Gas Ltd, which manages 11 West Auckland Z service stations from Hillsborough to Kumeu, was the major winner at
last night’s awards gala dinner held at The Trusts Arena in Henderson which was attended by more than 520 guests.
The annual awards are run by Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) to celebrate the success and
innovation of local businesses.
Embracing an attitude it calls ‘what’s good in the hood’, Western Gas Ltd is committed to supporting local initiatives
to address youth unemployment, working with community groups, and contributing to the environment and sustainability, as
well as growing and supporting its staff to reach their potential.
The company’s Managing Director John Lambert says he is proud and humbled to receive the award on behalf of all the Z
staff who work hard to make a difference in West Auckland.
“It’s about having the energy that matters, by caring and contributing to the community which supports our business and
creating opportunities for employment, learning and fun in everything we do,” says John Lambert.
Western Gas Ltd has had a stake in West Auckland for many years. It was formed to contract manage Shell service
stations, and became part of the Z franchise soon after Shell was purchased by the New Zealand Superannuation Fund and
Kiwi company Infratil.
Western Gas Ltd also won the Alloy Yachts Employer of Choice and UHY Haines Norton Best Medium – Large Business awards.
Another multiple award winner last night was The Riverhead, one of New Zealand’s oldest riverside taverns. This historic
bar has become a prime hospitality destination, injecting a sense of belonging and pride into the small Riverhead
community beside the upper Waitemata Harbour.
As well as the west business awards, ATEED also runs local awards in the north and south business communities. These
events are becoming increasingly popular with Auckland’s diverse business groups.
ATEED Chief Executive Brett O’Riley says he is continually inspired by the commitment and passion demonstrated by the
winning business owners and their staff, and it is an honour to celebrate their success.
“The awards not only serve as a showcase of remarkable talent and business acumen, they set a benchmark for other
businesses to aspire to and ultimately contribute to Auckland’s economic growth,” says Brett O’Riley.
Westpac New Zealand Ltd is a long term sponsor of the business awards.
“As proud supporters of local, regional and national businesses, Westpac is delighted to help with a programme that
inspires organisations to strive for and celebrate success,” says Roy Thompson, Regional Manager, Business Bank –
Northern, Westpac New Zealand Ltd.
“Congratulations to the 2013 Westpac Auckland West Business Awards winners – we’re sure this is a stepping stone to even
greater business success.”
The 2013 awards attracted more than 100 entries from businesses in a wide range of industries including recruitment,
health and nutrition, construction and environmental services.
2013 Westpac Auckland West Business Awards – Winners
Westpac Supreme Business Excellence Award
Western Gas Ltd
Telecom Business Hub Waitakere Best Emerging Business
The Riverhead
Corban Revell Lawyers Small Business of the Year
Keola Homes Ltd
UHY Haines Norton Best Medium – Large Business
Western Gas Ltd
Alloy Yachts Employer of Choice
Western Gas Ltd
Babich Wines Excellence in Exporting
World Moving & Storage Ltd
Canam Group Excellence in Innovation
OUTDURE
Douglas Pharmaceuticals Excellence in Leadership
Debtworks (NZ) Ltd
North Western Toyota Excellence in Customer Engagement
Magsons Hardware Ltd
The Pallet Company Excellence in Social Responsibility and Sustainability
Thomas Civil & Environmental Consultants Ltd
Unitec Excellence in Research and Development
Alltech (NZ) Ltd
West Auckland Business Club & Rosebank Business Association Excellence in Strategy and Planning
The Riverhead
For more information visit www.BusinessAucklandNZ.com/Awards
Ends