Employers from Avonmore Tertiary Institute and GPS Control Systems in Tauranga have been recognised in the Territorial Force Employer Support Council - Employer of the Year Awards.

The awards, which recognise employers committed to supporting Reserve Forces' personnel in their workplace, were presented by TFESC chairman Peter Townsend at a formal ceremony in Wellington this week.

Peter Townsend, Diana Melvin, CPOMTO Graeme Frost, Alastair Melvin and LTGEN Tim Keating.

Peter Townsend, LT John Ahearn (Reservist who nominated Wade Riley and Benn McKenzie), Benn McKenzie and Wade Riley of GPS Control Systems and LTGEN Tim Keating.

Avonmore Tertiary Institute in Tauranga was awarded the National Small-Medium Business of The Year, after being nominated by Navy Reservist Chief Petty Officer Maritime Trade Operator, Graeme Frost.

Wade Riley and Benn McKenzie of GPS Control Systems in Tauranga were also presented a Director-General Award for sustaining the business when owner, Lieutenant John Ahearn, was completing Navy Reserve duties.

Peter says Reserve Forces form a vital part of the New Zealand Defence Force, which relies on them to volunteer on both overseas and home duties.

For example, the forces provided support to Exercise Southern Katipo 2013 in Timaru in November last year.

"The Reserve Forces would not be able to operate to the same capacity without the support employers provide their Reservist employees," says Peter.

Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant General Tim Keating and Tauranga MP Simon Bridges also attended the awards ceremony.

The following awards were presented:

National Small - Medium Business of the Year: Avonmore Tertiary Institute, Tauranga, nominated by Navy Reservist Chief Petty Officer Maritime Trade Operator Graeme Frost.

National Large Business of the Year: Datacom Ltd, nominated by Army Reservist Corporal Daryll Savage.

Captain David Morgan of Air New Zealand was presented a Director-General Award for his work championing the Royal New Zealand Air Force Pilot Managed Transition Scheme.

Wade Riley and Benn McKenzie of GPS Control Systems, Tauranga were also presented a Director-General Award for sustaining the business when the owner, Lieutenant John Ahearn, was completing Navy Reserve duties.