The Taupō Business Awards are built on a foundation of excellence, and our judging panel plays a crucial role in recognising and celebrating the region’s best businesses. As we begin Stage One of the judging process, we are proud to introduce a distinguished panel of experts, each bringing a wealth of experience across diverse industries. From strategic planning and innovation to marketing, sustainability, and leadership, these judges are tasked with evaluating finalists and selecting the businesses that truly embody excellence. Get to know the leaders who will be shaping this year’s awards and helping to spotlight the outstanding talent within our business community.
Meet our Stage one Judges
Excellence in Strategy & Planning and Excellence in Marketing
Toi Ohomai Business Faculty
A panel of business studies tutors from Toi Ohomai lead by Leisel van der Mescht an experienced Management and Business professional and is an Academic Leader in Business at Toi Ohomai.
Excellence in Innovation and Excellence in Community Contribution
Anne Pankhurst, Tauranga Chamber of Commerce
Anne Pankhurst currently works at the Tauranga Chamber of Commerce, is a business mentor, and loves working with businesses to realise their potential. Anne has organised the Tauranga Business Awards for over 20 years, which has a strong focus on celebrating excellence. Anne has a strong interest in Economic Development in the region, and was a member of SmartGrowth Strategic Partners, chair of Population Aging Technical Advisory Group. She has a business background in the hospitality sector and has opened and owned several well-known restaurant businesses. Anne is chair of Tarnished Frocks and Divas.
Excellence in Sustainability
Joy Moir, Sustainable Business Solutions
Joy Moir is an experienced sustainability consultant and change-maker, both in NZ and the UK with a significant energy and sustainable business background stretching over 2 decades. Since arriving in NZ Joy has supported SME’s, public sector, non-for profit and start-up’s working within the engineering, construction, environmental, horticulture and metals industries. Joy enjoys enabling and empowering organisations to become more responsible and sustainable, through her ability to develop realistic strategic and implementation plans utilising system change thinking. Alongside a strong operational and people management background, she understands the unique and complex issues organisations must overcome when making significant business changes.
Best Emerging Business and Employer of the Year
Sean Bell, 2degrees
Sean has 10 years sales experience in the Telecommunications market in New Zealand. He has held numerous roles in both Account Management and Business Development over this time. In his current role at 2degrees Sean manages relationships with strategic partners in the business division including the National Chamber of Commerce network and Farmsource. Sean is passionate about New Zealand Business and delivering technology solutions that drive positive outcomes.
