Kāpiti businesses in running for Gold Awards

A record number of Kāpiti Coast businesses have been announced as finalists in the 2025 Gold Awards, which showcase inspiring businesses in the Greater Wellington Region.

Council and the Economic Development Kotahitanga Board congratulates the nine local firms to be judged ahead of the July awards night, with Mayor Janet Holborow saying the high number reflects an increasingly confident and capable business community.

Two local companies, Pou Architecture and Orba Shoes, were also celebrated at the announcement event on Friday night. Māori and Pacifica business Pou Architecture were presented with the new Mills Albert Māori Business Showcase Award. Orba Shoes received recognition for achieving Sustainable Business B-Corp Certification.

“In 2024 there were three Kāpiti finalists in these awards, so to have nine just a few years later shows real development,” Mayor Holborow says.

“I wish all the businesses the best of luck for the next stages and thank them for putting themselves forward – their success is a great advertisement for our district and really highlights an innovative and supportive business community.”

Economic Development Kotahitanga Board chair Neil Mackay says the impressive number of finalists is the result of improving sector leadership and collaboration.

“The increased number of finalists reflects sustained coordination across our business ecosystem, the board, and council,” Mr Mackay says.

“We are especially pleased to see Māori business recognised for their significant contribution, including the leadership that former award-winner, Mills Albert construction are providing.”

Finalist Sarah Yanez, of Goldies Wholefoods, says it’s exciting to be involved.

“We are humbled to be recognised next to such amazing businesses and including Rose's Chilli Crisp, to represent the small but passionate food businesses based here in Kāpiti,” Ms Yanez says.

The Kāpiti finalists are:

1. Goldies Wholefoods - EMERGING GOLD, products (10 or fewer full-time employees)
2. Roses Chilli Crisp - EMERGING GOLD, products (10 or fewer full-time employees)
3. Kapiti Island Nature Tours - VIBRANT GOLD, events & hospitality
4. Lazulife - GLOBAL GOLD, international income
5. Peter Jackson Plumbing - SUPPORTING GOLD, services & infrastructure
6. Te Ahuru Mowai - SUPPORTING GOLD, services & infrastructure (Ngāti Toa o Rangatira)
7. Ngā Manu Sanctuary - GREEN GOLD, sustainability programmes & products
8. Steel-IT - EMERGING GOLD, products (10 or fewer full-time employees)
9. Work Ready Kapiti - IMPACT GOLD, empowering others

Visit www.goldawards.co.nz/2024finalists for more information about the Gold Awards.

Pou Architecture were presented with the new Mills Albert Māori Business Showcase Award.