Winners announced: New Zealand Events Awards 2017

Thursday, 12 October

Winners announced: New Zealand Events Awards 2017

It’s been a bumper year for events in New Zealand. That’s apparent in the winners of the flourishing New Zealand Awards, announced last night at a glittering ceremony held at SKYCITY.

Not only did this year’s Awards submissions cover the country from Cape Reinga to Bluff, but the introduction of new categories and an exceptionally high standard of entrants has made the work of judges difficult.

That’s according to the organiser of the Awards, the New Zealand Events Association (NZEA). Chair Andy Scotland said the programme celebrates boundaries pushed, benchmarks set and innovations achieved in hosting events countrywide.

“Events make a significant contribution to the economy, enhance New Zealand’s cultural status and provide locals and visitors alike with the opportunity to expand horizons and enjoy themselves,” she added.

“I’d like to congratulate the winners on their achievement, having emerged from a stronger field than ever to demonstrate excellence and the world class standards that local events are achieving.”

This year, five new categories are introduced to further celebrate and recognise the companies, personalities and contributors to the events industry. Reflecting the essential role of sponsors and sponsorship professionals, four are for these events industry players; a fifth category showcases the providers and creators of Business to Businessevents.

The winners are:
1. Best Community Event of the Year 2017
Waitangi Tuwharetoa Ki Pukawa Festival 2017
2. Best Regional Event of the Year 2017
Pop-up Globe Auckland
3. Best National Event of the Year 2017 sponsored by New Zealand Major Events
WOMAD New Zealand 2017
4. Best International Event of the Year 2017 sponsored by New Zealand Major Events
2017 World Shearing and Woolhandling Championships
5. Best Business Event of the Year 2017 sponsored by Celebrity Speakers
Pinot Noir New Zealand 2017
6. Best Industry Supplier for an Event 2017 sponsored by Marsh Insurance
ILT Stadium Southland for the 2017 World Shearing and Woolhandling Championships
7. Best CSR or Community Event Sponsorship of the Year 2017
Flight Centre Foundation Halberg Watersports Programme
8. Best Arts or Cultural Event Sponsorship of the Year 2017 sponsored by Creative New Zealand
ASB for Auckland Lantern Festival
9. Best Sports Event Sponsorship of the Year 2017
Barfoot & Thompson for World Masters Games 2017
10. Emerging Event Professional of the Year 2017 sponsored by Eventfinda
Tim Day (NZ Trail Runs)
11. Event Sponsorship Professional of the Year 2017
Mike Wootton (ASB)
12. Event Professional of the Year 2017 sponsored by H3
Jennah Wootten
13. New Zealand’s Favourite Event of the Year 2017 public vote hosted by Eventfinda
Repco Beach Hop 2017

Scotland thanked the distinguished panel of independent judges for taking on a challenging task. “We drew a similar amount of entries as 2016, however felt that the standards were raised once again, making the shortlisting even harder this year. The judges have done an exceptional in identifying our winners from many impressive entries.”

The winners had to win the approval after close scrutiny by the judging panel, which comprised: Stephen Wainwright, CEO of Creative New Zealand, James McGlinn, EventFinda CEO, Hetty van Hale, Communications Manager at Infinity Investment Group, Callum Mallett, GM GM Operations at the New Zealand International Convention Centre, Mandy Deans,Event Manager at Warbirds over Wanaka International Airshow, Michael Boggs,NZME CEO, Norm Thompson, ATEED Deputy Chair, Karl Budge, Tournament and Commercial Director at Tennis Auckland, and Mike Keech, Sponsorship and Licensing Manager at WelTec and Whitireia New Zealand.

ENDS

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