2025 Datagrid Southland Business
Excellence Awards Celebration
An Unforgettable Celebration of Business Excellence!
Celebrate success at the 2025 Datagrid Southland Business Excellence Awards Celebration, hosted by the Southland Business Chamber. A night of recognition, entertainment, and fine dining alongside Southland’s vibrant business community.
Honouring Southland’s Best
Celebrate the achievements of businesses and individuals who have made a significant impact on Southland’s economic success. Prestigious awards will be presented, shining a spotlight on those who have demonstrated innovation, leadership, and excellence in their fields.
A Culinary Experience to Savour
Indulge in a locally sourced five-course menu, showcasing the finest produce Southland has to offer. Enjoy complimentary local gin, a true taste of the region’s finest craftsmanship.
Entertainment That Will Keep You on Your Feet
Be captivated by the high-energy sounds of All Night Long, a local band renowned for delivering electrifying live performance to keep the energy flowing throughout the night.
Your Host for the Evening
Guiding us through the night with charm and wit is Shaun Drylie, a seasoned executive with an impressive background in leadership. Shaun will ensure an engaging and seamless awards experience.
Dress to Impress
This is a night of celebration and sophistication, so elegant evening attire is encouraged to match the occasion.
More than an awards ceremony, this is a night of celebration, connection, and inspiration—honouring Southland’s brightest business talents in a vibrant and festive atmosphere.
19 September 2025
Ascot Park Hotel
Doors open 5.00pm | Seated by 5.45pm
Business Excellence Category
Primary Industry Excellence Award
Recognising organisations that demonstrate business excellence in the Primary & Primary Services Sector.
Trade Industries Award
Recognition of any enterprise in the construction, trades, manufacturing & distribution sector that provides outstanding products or services.
Consumer Services Award
Recognising businesses in the hospitality, tourism, or retail sectors that provide outstanding products or services with a customer-first approach.
Professional Services Award
Recognising businesses that excel in providing outstanding services in the professional sector.
Not for Profit Award
Celebrating excellence in performance by a Southland not-for-profit organisation.
Specialist Recognition Award
New and Emerging Award
Recognises those businesses that have achieved significant growth & who have been in operation from 1 April 2022.
Workplace Safety Award
Recognises the implementation of an IP initiative, improvement, or innovation that has had a meaningful and positive impact on workplace injury prevention through improved health and safety for workers.
Workplace Wellbeing Award
Recognises enterprises that have created successful initiatives designed to embed a culture of wellness in their organisation.
Innovation Award 2025
Recognising businesses that show the implementation & use of innovation to enhance business excellence and performance.
Individual Achievement Category
Individual Excellence in Export Award
Celebrating someone who has made a significant contribution to exporting in Southland, that may or may not be directly involved in exporting.
One to Watch Award
Celebrating someone who demonstrates a passion for business entrepreneurship & design thinking led solutions.
Supreme Awards
Datagrid Supreme Award - Overall Winner
Judges will select the recipient of this prestigious award from the winners of each category.
No application form required.
Small Business of the Year Award
Recognising proven overall excellence of a small business.
Judges will select the recipient of this award from the winners of each category.
No additional application form required.
Other Awards
Local Food Champion Award
The Local Food Champion Award recognises a business that uplifts and strengthens Murihiku’s local food system. Underpinned by the Feeding Murihiku Good Food Road Map’s five pou, we are seeking businesses who are committed to a more equitable, secure, and resilient local food system.
For assistance with completing your application, please use our chatbot or contact the Events Team at 03 218 7188 or events@southlandchamber.co.nz
Thank you to our Judges
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
Finalist Party Brought to you by
Proudly Brought to you By
NAMING SPONSOR
Business Excellence Category Sponsors
Specialist Recognition Award Sponsors
Individual Achievement Category Sponsors
Finalist Party Brought to you by