Winners crowned in Hauraki Coromandel Business Awards
Published on 24 October 2024
An iconic business that embodies the essence of the Hauraki and Coromandel districts has been crowned supreme winner at this year’s local business awards.
The Waterworks was awarded the supreme prize at the Richardsons Hauraki Coromandel Business Awards 2024 in Thames last night.
The quirky water-themed activity park was one of more than 30 finalists in 12 categories in this year’s awards, which also took the unusual step of awarding two winners of its Community Contribution category.
Dive Zone Whitianga and EPL Construction were named joint winners after the judges said they found it impossible to decide on only one.
Judges Mike Green, Sue Loder, and Ray Lewis said they were blown away by the passion, commitment, and drive shown by the finalists and how embedded each business was in the community.
They described Dive Zone Whitianga as more than just a business. It was a community hub where everyone who passed through was treated like family and “yes” was said to sponsorship, school groups, young people on work experience, donations of time, equipment, food and money, marine clean ups and carrying staff through winter.
Judges said EPL Construction demonstrated extraordinary commitment to community wellbeing, playing critical roles in events such as Cyclone Gabrielle and continuing to give a substantial amount of time, money, and supplies to core Whangamatā groups such as surf lifesaving, the rescue helicopter, rugby club, and the RSA. EPL also helped their community without hesitation by sharing knowledge to improve local systems, support schools, and help Council discussions to enhance infrastructure planning.
Judges said The Waterworks, which also won the Contribution to Tourism and Hospitality award, embodied the Hauraki and Coromandel essence through its vision, values, and culture which made a clear contribution to the region, particularly tourism.
Their deep business acumen, strong financial sustainability and strategic planning stood out, they said.
The judges noted The Waterworks’ strong commitment to environmental sustainability with active participation in Destination Hauraki Coromandel’s Forever ‘Good For Your Soul’ sustainability programme and their strong support of the local community.
“Their innovative, fun approach is reflected in the water park itself, and their bold pivot to diversify their offerings has already shown success, positioning them for future growth. Though a well-established business, The Waterworks has an impressive forward-thinking mindset, and core business acumen to match,” judges said.
Thames-Coromandel Mayor Len Salt said the awards and finalist placings were well deserved.
“Our businesses are integral members of our community, often making a huge contribution to all of those around them. These awards help to celebrate those who display the best in business but also the best in community. I’m proud of what they have achieved and their contribution towards making the Coromandel a place where people want to live, work and play.”
Hauraki Mayor Toby Adams said the awards were a great way to showcase the local business community and he was thrilled with the calibre of businesses in the finals.
“Congratulations to all the finalists, a brilliant representation of the unique innovative resilient, and high performing across the Hauraki and Coromandel districts.”
Woof Woof Ranch was named People’s Choice winner for Hauraki and Dive Zone Whitianga for Thames-Coromandel.
Hello World Travel Thames, Flowers on Pollen, Wāhi Tukurua, Ōpito Bay Salt, Coromandel Shelly Beach Top 10 Holiday Park, Bayleys Coromandel, Major Oak Safety Training and Evolution Fitness were also named winners of their respective categories.
Barbara Berry from Positive Paeroa, Jennifer Ashman from Coromandel-Colville Business Association, Monika Lange from Thames/Coromandel for their service to business.
The awards are jointly hosted by Thames-Coromandel and Hauraki district councils every two years.
Full list of finalists and winners
Supreme Winner
Category Excellence Awards
Community Contribution
- Dive Zone Whitianga (joint winners)
- EPL Construction (joint winners)
- Evolution Fitness
- Major Oak Safety Training
- Wāhi Tukurua
Business Resilience
- Hello World Travel Thames (winner)
- Centre Line Construction
- Professional Trade Services
Digital Strategy and e-Commerce
- Flowers on Pollen (winner)
- Mom Store
- The Waterworks
Waste Minimisation
- Wāhi Tukurua (winner)
- Buffalo Lodge
- Gastronomics
Contribution to Tourism and Hospitality
- The Waterworks (winner)
- Coromandel Distilling Co
- Thames Museum – Te Whare Taonga o te Kauaeranga
- Valley Tours and Transfers
People’s Choice Finalists (two winners - one of Hauraki, one from Thames-Coromandel)
- Woof Woof Ranch (Hauraki winner)
- Dive Zone Whitianga (Thames-Coromandel winner)
- Plan Bee
- Waihī Coffee Roasters
- Bite Café Thames
- The Green Grocer
Service to Business Recipients
- Barbara Berry, Positive Paeroa
- Jennifer Ashman, Coromandel-Colville Business Association
- Monika Lange, Thames/Coromandel Newsfeed
- Sue Lewis-O’Halloran, Thames Business Association
Sector Excellence Awards
New and Emerging Business
- Ōpito Bay Salt (winner)
- Fitzone Waihī
- Pahi Coastal Walk
- Te Kouma Heights Glamping
Consumer Services
- Coromandel Shelly Beach Top10 Holiday Park (winner)
- Flowers on Pollen
- Mercury Bay Discoveries
Professional Services
- Bayleys Coromandel (winner)
- Beside the Seaside
- Woof Woof Ranch
Trades, Manufacturing and Primary Industries
- Major Oak Safety Training (winner)
- Coromandel Distilling Co
- EPL Construction
Pahiki Māori/Māori Business
- Evolution Fitness (winner)
- Manavation