Western Bay of Plenty’s innovative and successful businesses have been named finalists in the Tauranga Business Awards 2027.

The finalists span a wide range of industries from healthcare and construction to technology, horticulture, professional services and manufacturing, highlighting the region’s diversity of businesses.

This year’s awards include two new categories, recognising Excellence in AI Adoption and Impact and Excellence in Professional Services, reflecting the evolving needs of the business sector.

In a Tauranga Business Chamber statement, convenor of judges Jamie Lunam said the calibre of entries continued to impress.

“Having judged these awards for a number of years, I continue to be blown away by the calibre of businesses we have across the Western Bay, and this year is absolutely no exception,” Lunam said.

“What really stands out is the ambition of our businesses and the impact they are having well beyond Tauranga, across New Zealand and increasingly on the world stage. We should be incredibly proud of what is being built here.”

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

Tauranga Business Chamber chief executive Matt Cowley said the Best Emerging Business category had attracted particularly strong interest.

“We had so many excellent new businesses enter this category that narrowing it down to seven finalists was tough for the judges. That tells me the Bay’s economy has a bright future,” he said.

“Starting a business in this economy takes real grit. Several quality businesses missed out on a finalist spot, which shows the depth and positive mindset of our next generation of business leaders.”

The finalists will progress to the next stage of judging, where an independent panel will interview entrants before selecting the winners.

Tauranga Business Awards 2027 finalists

Tauranga Business Awards 2027 finalists

Excellence in AI Adoption and Impact (sponsored by MBIE)

• Carepatron
• Cinch & Strike
• Crisis Bunker
• Flowerday Homes

Industry Trailblazer (sponsored by Mercury Baypark)

• Bay Pediatrics
• House of Science NZ
• Impact Engineering
• JNP Aviation
• Majestic Nails

Excellence in Professional Services (sponsored by University of Waikato)

• ABC Business Sales Tauranga
• Emerald Business Advisers
• The Firm Lawyers
• O’Connor Warren Insurance Brokers

Best Emerging Business (sponsored by Toi Ohomai)

• Bay Pediatrics
• Neck of the Woods Beer Co
• Nomu Matcha
• NZ Honey Supply
• Pet Supply
• True Proactive Health
• Yomi

Excellence in Innovation (sponsored by 2degrees)

• Bakels Edible Oils
• Cover
• Kiwi Pollen

Excellence in International Trade (sponsored by Zespri)

• Bakels Edible Oils
• Carepatron
• NZ Honey Supply

Excellent Woman in Leadership (sponsored by Cooney Lees Morgan)

• Cathy Hendry, Strategic Pay
• Charlotte Connoley, King Seeds
• Cushla Loomb, Beca
• Julie Paama-Pengelly, Art Body Creative Studio
• Namouta Poutasi, Bay of Plenty Regional Council
• Tracy Hayson, Hayson Knell
• Welmoed Chris Duggan, House of Science

Excellence in Māori/Pasifika Business (sponsored by Pacific Growth Services & Sequal)

• Bay Building Solutions
• Crisis Bunker
• Mamas Donuts Tauranga
• Molisi Construction

Excellence in Marketing Impact (sponsored by KingSt)

• Bower Real Estate
• Digital Pie
• Landmark Homes NZ
• Nomu Matcha
• NZ Avocado
• Yomi

People’s Choice Award (sponsored by the Bay of Plenty Times)

• Fun First Football
• House of Science
• Little Soldier
• Mamas Donuts Tauranga
• Stihl Shop Mount Maunganui
• The Freeport & Paulie’s
• The Padel Club
• True Proactive Health
• UOKBRO NZ Trust
• Yomi

Public voting for the People’s Choice Award will open later this year through the Bay of Plenty Times.

Winners will be announced at the Tauranga Business Awards gala at Mercury Baypark on March 18, 2027.

The awards are supported by Deloitte and Farmer Autovillage.