Fifteen judges from across New Zealand undertook the challenging task of selecting the finalists, narrowing down the top contenders from a highly competitive pool of entries. The judges noted the exceptional quality and effort put into the submissions.
DWC Chief Executive Heath Milne commended all those who entered.
“Entering the Awards presents a great opportunity to reflect on business achievements and future plans, while also celebrating the wider West Coast business community.”
He added that the Awards celebration is always a highlight on the DWC calendar. “All the finalists should be congratulated on their contribution to the region’s economy.”
The DWC Leading Light Business Excellence Awards Finalists for 2024 are:
Duncan Cotterill Large Enterprise Category
- MBD Contracting Ltd
- Monteith’s Brewery Experience
- Unichem Olsen’s Pharmacy
Gallagher Insurance Medium Enterprise
- Cycle Journeys
- Glacier Country Helicopters Ltd
- Underworld Adventures
NZME Small Enterprise Category
- Paparoa Guided Walks
- Paradise Farm Vets
- Shortjaw Brewing
DOC Sustainability Award
- Paparoa Guided Walks
- Underworld Adventures
- Westpeak New Zealand
ACC Employer of the Year
- Eliot Sinclair & Partners Limited
- Franz Josef Glacier Guides
- Westco Lumber Ltd
Greymouth Star Rising Star
- Paradise Farm Vets
- Productive People
- Shortjaw Brewing
The finalists represent a diverse array of industries from all over the region and are now preparing to have a professional promotional video shoot over the next month as their prize from DWC. The next round of judging will be led by the NBS-sponsored chief judge.
Megan McCarthy from Glacier Country Helicopters said they are thrilled to be a finalist in the 2024 business awards.
“Like many businesses on the West Coast, there has been some blood, sweat, and tears amongst the team to pull us through the COVID period, and we are very proud to have our resilience recognised formally.”
The Development West Coast Leading Light Business Excellence Awards will be held during a gala dinner at Shantytown on October 18, when the winners in each of the six categories will be announced followed by the naming of the supreme award winner.