2025 Southland Business Excellence Awards
Celebrating Growth Success Diversity Business
Be part of the growth and success in Southland
Welcome to the most prestigious business event of the year in Southland!
The Datagrid Southland Business Excellence Awards are back, shining a spotlight on the diverse and thriving business landscape of our region. Whether you’re a sole trader, a small enterprise, or an established company, this is your chance to showcase your achievements and be part of something extraordinary.
How it Works
- Apply Online:
Simply fill out the online application form to enter. The process is straightforward, and support is available if you need it. - Judging Panel:
A panel of independent judges review all entries, looking for excellence, innovation, and resilience. - Finalists Announced:
Finalists are named and promoted in the lead-up to the event, giving your business valuable exposure. - Winners Revealed at the Gala Dinner:
Winners are announced live at the DataGrid Gala Dinner—a night of celebration, fine dining, entertainment, and dancing.
Why Enter the Awards
Reflect and Grow: Take this opportunity to look back on your journey, assess your current position, and set ambitious goals for the future.
Motivate Your Team: The awards process is a fantastic way to energise your staff, celebrating your collective successes and inspiring future growth.
Benchmark Your Business: Compare your performance against others in your sector, gaining valuable insights for improvement.
Gain Recognition: Elevate your brand’s profile through media exposure and public acknowledgement of your excellence.
Which Category Should I Enter?
We offer a wide range of categories to ensure every business has a chance to shine.
- Business Excellence Awards
For recognising outstanding achievements across various industries and sectors.
- Specialist Recognition Awards
Honouring businesses excelling in specific areas like innovation, safety, and employer practices. - Individual Achievement Awards
Celebrating the exceptional contributions and potential of individuals in business.
Each business can enter in the following:
Business Excellence Category (choose one) and/or
Specialist Recognition Categories (choose as many as practical) and/or
Individual Achievements (choose as many as practical)
You are eligible to enter only one business excellence category, however, you are able to enter as many individual achievements or specialist categories as you see fit, as long as the work submitted meets the criteria.
Please reach out if you need assistance to choose the most appropriate for your business
Business Excellence Category
Primary Industry Excellence Award
Trade Industries Award
Consumer Services Award
Professional Services Award
Not for Profit Award
Specialist Recognition Award
New and Emerging Award
Workplace Safety Award
Workplace Wellbeing Award
Innovation Award 2025
Individual Achievement Category
Individual Excellence in Export Award
One to Watch Award
Supreme Awards
Datagrid Supreme Award - Overall Winner
No application form required.
Small Business of the Year Award
Judges will select the recipient of this award from the winners of each category.
No additional application form required.
Key Dates
- Southland Business Awards Launch Event: 7 May
- Entries Open: 7 May
- Entries Close: 15 June
- Finalists Announced: 31 July
- Finalist Celebration Event: 26 August
- 2025 Datagrid Southland Business Excellence Awards: 19 September
A Night to Remember
Join us for an unforgettable evening of celebration, excellence, and entertainment. Indulge in a sumptuous gourmet meal, enjoy refreshing beverages, and dance the night away. This is your chance to network with Southland’s businesses and bask in the glow of success.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be part of Southland’s business celebration.
Enter the 2025 Datagrid Southland Business Excellence Awards today and let your business shine!
Save the Date
Awards Gala - Ascot Park Hotel
Other Awards to Consider
Local Food Champion Award
For assistance with completing your application, please use our chatbot or contact the Events Team at 03 218 7188 or events@southlandchamber.co.nz
Judges
- A brief history and description of your business – tell us your story
- A description of what makes the business unique to the market and excellent in business
- A summary of key business achievements and results
- Why do you believe that your business should be an award winner?
- Keep it simple
- Assume that the judges know nothing
- Use bullet points/lists
- Get someone to review it
- Don’t hide your answers
- Quality over quantity
- Big picture
- Address all suggested points and sections
- Avoid repetition
- Each section should be a winner
- Give evidence of Business Excellence
- Examples
- Processes and planning
- Stick to the plan
- Share how each result/activity is connected to your plans/targets/strategies
- Involve your team
- Take your time
- Start early and allow time to review/refine
- Celebrate your business
- Remember you are the expert
- Be persuasive and share your excellence
- You can enter multiple awards
* Note: Some specialist categories will have a different judging panel
previous AWARDS
With Thanks to Our Sponsors
Proudly Brought to you By
NAMING SPONSOR
Business Excellence Category Sponsors
Specialist Recognition Award Sponsors
Individual Achievement Category Sponsors
Proudly Brought to you By
NAMING SPONSOR
Business Excellence Category Sponsors
Specialist Recognition Award Sponsors
Individual Achievement Category Sponsors