Elevate chair, Marain Hurley
The biennial Ōtorohanga People’s Choice Business Awards attracted an audience of 200 people last week to see winners and runners up announced in six categories.
Not-for-profit Community Groups co-winners, Beattie Home and Hospital and Ōtorohanga Volunteer Fire Brigade staff pictured with Simon Graafhuis (centre) were from left, Olive Utiera, Vee van der Heyden, Bryan King and Tony Milne.
Rodney Dow – Otorohanga mayor
Organised by business development group, Elevate, the Incite 2025 awards featured Chiefs rugby boss Simon Graafhuis as guest speaker – and a public outing for the new Ōtorohanga District mayor Rodney Dow and his predecessor Max Baxter.
Two co-winners were named in the Not-for-Profit category, including Beattie Home and Hospital which also won the Health and Wellbeing section.
Elevate chair Marain Hurley the achievements of winners and runners up were a testament to the dedication, innovation and excellence within the local business community.
“We are so fortunate to live in a strong community that supports an event of this calibre by way of contributions, sponsorship, and donations,” Hurley said. “We look forward to continuing to celebrate the achievements and spirit of our community.”
Marain Hurley
Results, in order of winner and runner up, were: Retail – Moss & Co, Haddad’s; Tourism and Hospitality – Fat Kiwi Café, Ō Café; Industrial and Trade – Rahim Projects, Ōtorohanga Automotive; Health and Wellbeing: Beattie Home and Hospital, The Blush Boutique; Professional Services: Bailey Ingham, Vetora Ōtorohanga; Not-for-profit Community Groups: Beattie Home and Hospital, Ōtorohanga Volunteer Fire Brigade (co-winners), Riding for the Disabled Ōtorohanga.
Between Two Beers podcasters, Seamus Marten, left and Steven Holloway at the awards ceremony.
