Avonmore Tertiary Institute has been chosen as ‘Employer of the Year' by the Bay of Plenty Regional Employer Support Committee.

The regional support committee of the Territorial Forces Employer Support Council announced its decision during an awards ceremony at Tauranga City Council chambers last night.

Avonmore Tertiary Institute's Diana and Alastair Melvin with CPOMTO Graeme Frost.

Navy Reservist, Chief Petty Officer Graeme Frost, from the Maritime Trade Operations Branch of HMNZS NGAPONA's Tauranga Unit, nominated his civilian employer, Avonmore Tertiary Institute, for the award.

Graeme says he has received continued support for his leave applications for a range of military exercises and training activities.

The ‘Employer of the Year' award was established to recognise the contribution employers make by allowing staff to train and serve as members of the Reserve Forces of the New Zealand Defence Force.

Graeme and a representative of Avonmore Tertiary Institute will attend the national final of the Territorial Force Employer of the Year function with other regional winners in Wellington in April, when a national winner will be named.

Staff from Tauranga based ‘GPS Control Systems Ltd' were also recognised during the Awards Ceremony.

Lieutenant John Ahearn, RNZNVR, a Navy Reservist based at HMNZS NGAPONA's Tauranga Unit nominated his colleagues, Wade Riley and Benn McKenzie, for Certificates of Appreciation to recognise the support they provide the business when he is away with the RNZN.

Wade Riley, Lieutenant John Ahearn RNZNVR and Benn McKenzie.