Coromandel business The Waterworks was awarded the supreme prize at the Richardsons Hauraki Coromandel Business Awards 2024 in Thames on October 23.
The water-themed activity park was one of more than 30 finalists in 12 categories. The judges noted The Waterworks’ strong commitment to environmental sustainability and their strong support of the local community.
“Their innovative, fun approach is reflected in the water park itself, and their bold pivot to diversify their offerings has already shown success, positioning them for future growth. Though a well-established business, The Waterworks has an impressive forward-thinking mindset, and core business acumen to match,” judges said.
Judges said The Waterworks, which also won the Contribution to Tourism and Hospitality award, embodied the Hauraki and Coromandel essence through its vision, values, and culture which made a clear contribution to the region, particularly tourism.
Thames-Coromandel Mayor Len Salt said the awards and finalist placings were well deserved.
“Our businesses are integral members of our community, often making a huge contribution to all of those around them…I’m proud of what they have achieved and their contribution towards making the Coromandel a place where people want to live, work and play.”
Hauraki Mayor Toby Adams said the awards were a great way to showcase the local business community and he was thrilled with the calibre of businesses in the finals.
“Congratulations to all the finalists, a brilliant representation of the unique innovative, resilient, and high performing [businesses] across the Hauraki and Coromandel districts.”
The awards are jointly hosted by Thames-Coromandel and Hauraki district councils every two years.
AWARD WINNERS
Supreme winner: The Waterworks.
Category excellence awards: Community Contribution, Dive Zone Whitianga and EPL Construction (joint winners); Business Resilience, Hello World Travel Thames; Digital Strategy and e-Commerce, Flowers on Pollen; Waste Minimisation, Wāhi Tukurua; Contribution to Tourism and Hospitality, The Waterworks; People’s Choice for Hauraki, Woof Woof Ranch; People’s Choice for Thames-Coromandel, Dive Zone Whitianga.
Sector excellence awards: New and Emerging Business, Ōpito Bay Salt; Consumer Services, Coromandel Shelly Beach Top10 Holiday Park; Professional Services, Bayleys Coromandel; Trades, Manufacturing and Primary Industries, Major Oak Safety Training; Pahiki Māori/Māori Business, Evolution Fitness.
Service to Business Recipients: Barbara Berry, Positive Paeroa; Jennifer Ashman, Coromandel-Colville Business Association; Monika Lange, Thames/Coromandel Newsfeed; Sue Lewis-O’Halloran, Thames Business Association.
