Entries are now open for the 2027 Tauranga Business Awards, and artificial intelligence (AI) is getting a seat at the table.

A new AI Adoption and Impact category will recognise businesses using the technology to create value and make an impact.

It is one of two new categories introduced for 2027, alongside Excellence in Professional Services, a statement from event organiser, the Tauranga Business Chamber, said.

Chamber chief executive Matt Cowley said the new categories reflected the changing face of modern business.

“AI has gone from a future trend to a business reality, and that’s exactly why we’ve introduced a category recognising organisations using it to create genuine value.”

Cowley said the awards continued to evolve with the business community and recognised organisations shaping the economy through innovation, bravery and measurable impact.

He encouraged businesses not to put off entering because of current economic conditions.

“These awards aren’t about who’s biggest or who’s making the most money. Businesses across the Western Bay have been operating in challenging conditions, and success looks different for every organisation.

“Don’t wait for the economy to improve to consider entering. The judges like celebrating those who have taken calculated risks and are building something special and enduring.”

Tauranga Business Chamber chief executive Matt Cowley. Photo / Mead Norton

The 2027 awards will feature 10 categories covering areas including innovation, international trade, marketing, leadership and Māori and Pasifika business excellence.

At last year’s awards, aerospace and robotics company SYOS Aerospace took out the top honour, Business of the Year.

The fast-growing Mount Maunganui-based company develops autonomous vehicles and has secured major international defence contracts.

Syos Aerospace founder and chief executive Samuel Vye. Photo / Jason Dorday

Convenor of judges Jamie Lunam said entering the awards offered businesses more than the chance to take home a trophy.

“Business awards provide an opportunity to step back from the day-to-day, reflect on achievements and benchmark your business against the best. Every year we see remarkable examples of innovation, resilience and leadership emerging from our region.”

The awards were supported by headline sponsors Deloitte and Farmer Autovillage. Deloitte Tauranga partner Alexis Tapsell said they recognised businesses and individuals making a meaningful contribution to the region.

“The awards celebrate the ambition, resilience and innovation that continue to define the Bay business community and provide a valuable opportunity for local organisations to reflect on their achievements and showcase their stories.”

Businesses across the western Bay of Plenty can enter themselves or be nominated by customers or employees. Entries will close on October 12.

Judges will select finalists, who will present their applications in-person before the end of November.

Public voting for the People’s Choice Award, sponsored by the Bay of Plenty Times, will open later in the year.

The winners will be announced at a gala event at Mercury Baypark on March 18.

Tauranga Business Awards 2027 categories

• Excellence in AI Adoption and Impact – sponsored by MBIE
• Industry Trailblazer – sponsored by Mercury Baypark
• Excellence in Professional Services – sponsored by University of Waikato
• People’s Choice Award – sponsored by Bay of Plenty Times
• Best Emerging Business – sponsored by Toi Ohomai
• Excellence in Innovation – sponsored by 2degrees
• Excellence in International Trade – sponsored by Zespri
• Excellence in Woman in Leadership – sponsored by Cooney Lees Morgan
• Excellence in Māori/Pasifika Business – sponsored by Pacific Growth Services & Sequal
• Excellence in Marketing Impact – sponsored by KingSt
• Supreme Business of the Year – sponsored by Deloitte and Farmer Autovillage