Businesses across the Hauraki and Thames-Coromandel districts are being encouraged to put themselves forward for recognition, with entries now officially open for the 2026 Claymark Hauraki Coromandel Business Awards.

The biennial awards celebrate the achievements of local businesses that contribute to the economic and social wellbeing of the region, from start-ups and family-owned enterprises to established employers, tourism operators, growers, retailers, service providers and Māori-led organisations.

Organised by Hauraki and Thames-Coromandel District Councils and supported by a range of sponsors, the awards highlight businesses demonstrating innovation, community leadership and a commitment to building a strong future for the region.

The awards ceremony will take place on 15 October at the Thames War Memorial Civic Centre, with around 150 business leaders from across Hauraki, Coromandel and the wider Waikato region expected to attend.

Seven Business Award Categories

This year’s awards feature seven entry categories, with businesses able to enter up to two categories:

• Community Contribution – recognising businesses making a positive and lasting impact in their communities.
• Customer Experience – celebrating businesses that consistently go above and beyond for customers.
• Employer Excellence – honouring organisations that foster positive, inclusive and supportive workplaces.
• Marketing and Digital Edge – recognising success achieved through outstanding marketing or digital innovation.
• New and Emerging – for businesses less than three years old that have demonstrated innovation, resilience and early success.
• Excellence in Sustainability – celebrating businesses that integrate environmental sustainability into everyday operations.
• Māori Business Excellence – recognising Māori-led businesses and kaupapa Māori organisations that uplift whānau and communities through a kaupapa Māori business ethos.

Public Nominations Also Open

In addition to the business entry categories, nominations are open for three awards:

• Service to Business, recognising individuals who have made a significant contribution to supporting local businesses and business communities. The recipient will be selected by the judging panel.
• People’s Choice Thames-Coromandel and People’s Choice Hauraki, giving residents the opportunity to vote for their favourite local businesses. Winners will be determined by public vote.

Information Sessions Planned

To support businesses considering an entry, the councils’ Economic Development Team will be attending a series of Business After 5 events across the region to answer questions and provide information about the awards process.

Upcoming sessions include:

• Tairua – 4 June at Pepe Cafe
• Whangamatā – 9 June at The Whangamatā Club, 401 Port Road
• Thames – 2 July at the Thames War Memorial Civic Centre

Entries and nominations close on Friday, 31 July. Businesses and community members are encouraged to get involved and help celebrate the achievements of the region’s thriving business sector.