Finalists Announced for 2025 Unison Great Lake Taupō Business Awards

The Taupō Business Chamber has officially announced the finalists for the 2025 Unison Great Lake Taupō Business Awards, celebrating excellence and innovation in business across the district.

This year’s Awards attracted an outstanding calibre of entries, with 33 finalists named across seven judged categories, represented by 17 different businesses. An additional 18 businesses were selected as finalists in the hotly contested People’s Choice category, reflecting the strength of community support and customer loyalty across the region.

The judging panel was impressed by the diversity and quality of submissions, noting:

“The calibre of entries this year was exceptionally high. In some categories, only a single point separated those who made it through as finalists from those who didn’t. We were thrilled to see entries from businesses of all sizes – from passionate one-person start-ups to long-standing local legends – all of whom showed deep pride in their work and a genuine love for the Taupō community.”

Unison, naming rights sponsor of the Awards, acknowledged the significance of the finalists’ achievements:

“It’s great to see such a strong group of finalists this year, each showing commitment to their craft, their people and their community. Taupō has a vibrant and resilient business community, and we’re proud to be part of recognising the people and businesses helping it thrive,” said Jason Larkin, Group General Manager Customer, Commercial and Regulatory at Unison.

The finalists will now move into the final stage of judging, with winners announced at the black-tie Gala Awards Night on Friday 8 August at the Great Lake Centre.

A full list of finalists is available below:

Finalists

2025 Unison Great Lake Taupo Business Awards

Excellence in Strategy and Planning

• Graft Joinery
• Morrell Motors Limited
• MyStays NZ
• Farmers Quality Meats
• MTF Finance Taupō
• Houndstooth Interiors
• The Cozy Corner

Excellence in Marketing

• Morrell Motors Limited
• MTF Finance Taupō
• Graft Joinery
• Beaver Trees Taupo Ltd
• Houndstooth Interiors
• Café Lacus

Excellence in Sustainability

• Earthy Foods
• 5 Mile Distilling
• XOX Floral

Excellence in Community Contribution

• Beaver Trees Taupo Ltd
• Farmers Quality Meats
• The Cozy Corner

Excellence in Innovation

• SiteCare Ltd
• MyStays NZ
• Western Energy Services Limited
• Dough Bros Pizzas and more

Best Emerging Business

• Houndstooth Interiors
• Farmers Quality Meats
• MTF Finance Taupō
• 5 Mile Distilling
• Nexus Financial Advisory

Employer of the Year

• Sitecare Ltd
• McBeth Plumbing and Gas
• MyStays NZ
• Western Energy Services Limited
• The Cozy Corner